Paper Lantern – Twice Lit

Friday was my last day at my job, leaving me an entire weekend of unemployment before I started my new position. Chew Steel wanted to mark the occasion by going out for dinner. I picked Paper Lantern as I wanted to relive my experience with Danni and the Olympian two days earlier. Let’s listen to “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys for this post.

Chew Steel asked our server for a recommendation and mentioned he enjoys rum. She suggested the Zombie Milk Punch ($18), which consists of three rums, lime, falernum cinnamon, grapefruit, grenadine, absinthe, bitters and clarified milk. I enjoyed my Mai Tai ($12), but his cocktail was even better. He remarked that he’d never had a drink that he enjoyed this much. I could taste cinnamon and lime. Chew Steel said it was smooth with the right balance of sweet, tart, and booze. I made a mental note to bring my friends Kournikova and Lululemon to Paper Lantern for cocktails. 

The Mango Salad ($14) didn’t disappoint. I was worried it wouldn’t be as good as Wednesday. The dressing isn’t too sweet and has a warm, lingering heat. I love the zing of the mint and the toothsome texture of the mango and papaya. The only other salad that compares to Paper Lantern’s is Lulu Bar’s Sichuan noodle salad. 

Chew Steel enjoyed the Beef Stew ($14). The beef and carrots were so soft that chewing wasn’t necessary. The rich gravy complemented the crusty baguette. The beef stew is the dish if you are craving a “meat and potatoes” type of meal. 

I wanted to order the “What’s the Kitchen Having ($14),” a rotating dish the kitchen makes for dinner. The salad greens were so fresh. The noodles were light and springy. Eating the greens with the noodles and meat reminded me of a Vietnamese bun with a different Asian twist, as the noodles were thicker, and the sweet char sui reminded me of Chinese food.

The soup tasted like it took a long time to prepare, as it had that wholesome flavour to it. Chew Steel thought there might have been shrimp in the base.

My favourite dish was the Crispy Crepes ($14). I tried a version of this dish at Cuty in Dalhousie, and I wasn’t a fan. However, Paper Lantern’s version has converted me. Our order came with two golden brown turmeric crepes. As I bit into it, the crepe gave way to a steamy pile of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung beans. The roasted sprouts, fragrant from the wok, added a smoky note that elevated every bite. Wrapped in lettuce and dunked in fish sauce, these crepes have texture, freshness, and umami. I would order them again.

Chew Steel and I found a new hangout. He was impressed with the cocktails and food. This is my third visit, and knowing who runs the kitchen, I know we can expect the same consistency in the future. As we left, I glanced through the kitchen window to catch an admiring glimpse of the female chef responsible for our delicious meal. Hitting the Sauce gives Danni’s parents two phat thumbs up. 

Banh Mi Date #15: Paper Lantern

For the past year, I’ve corresponded with Danni on Instagram. We share similar tastes in food, and we’ve even been to the same restaurants at the same time, though we weren’t aware then. We decided to meet up officially. I invited my friend, the Olympian. Divine Offering isn’t accessible on Wednesdays so that she couldn’t make it. Lovegastrogirl was in Tokyo; otherwise, she would have also come along. Let’s listen to “New Attitude” by Patti LaBelle for this post. 

We hemmed and hawed about where to go, and finally, I suggested Paper Lantern. It is a small world; as it turns out, Danni is the proud sister of the owner of Paper Lantern and Prosperity Bar. Her parents previously owned Orchid Room in Bankers Hall. I’ve never eaten there, but I heard the food was elevated Vietnamese cuisine and popular with the downtown crew. The Olympian and I asked her where she eats Vietnamese food, as we were curious where she would eat if it weren’t her family’s restaurant. She recommended Rau Bistro, Noodle World (#52 rice platter or coconut beef pho), Pho Uncle Ten, and Basil Ultimate. 

I ordered the PL Daiquiri ($12), Danni ordered a Mai Tai, and Olympian picked a non-alcoholic pina colada. My cocktail was light and breezy, with a tart tropical zing from the pineapple. For food, Danni picked some appetizers for us to share. I appreciated the water pitcher on the table, as I was parched that night. 

First up was the Sweet Nuoc Mam Chicken Wings ($12). Damn, the wings were saucy and crispy, the sauce was sticky and sweet. I was happy to see the wings and drums were five times the size of any pub wings. I want to try the shrimp salt and pepper version when I return. 

There was a lot of beef in the carpaccio ($12). I liked how the peanuts and onions gave some textural contrast to the soft, raw meat. The beef itself had a nice flavour. I didn’t realize there was cilantro in this dish. Had I known, I would have omitted the herb, as I’m one of the unlucky ones with the soap gene.  

The pork belly banh mi ($10) was a winner! The special sauce and house mayonnaise were savoury and rich. The braised pork belly was so soft and warm that it melted right into the light, crusty bread. The pickled vegetables added a lovely crunch to each bite. Danni recommended trying the chicken roti banh mi next time. Her eyes lit up as she described how the chicken was caramelized. 

The Pineapple Stir fry ($12) was as good as I remembered it from my last visit. The rice bowl contained ample sweet pork belly, shrimp, and pineapple. If you are hungry, I recommend ordering a rice bowl, as it is filling.

My favourite dish was the Mango Salad ($14). It takes a lot for me to like a salad over wings, so the chef back there is performing a miracle. The mango and papaya strands were chilled, crunchy from the peanuts and herby from the fresh mint leaves. I liked scooping up the refreshing salad on top of the shrimp cracker. 

When the bill came, I was surprised to see how affordable it was. My bill, including one cocktail, was only thirty dollars. In today’s economy, that’s incredible. I informed Danni I was bringing Chew Steel to Paper Lantern for our next date night. She suggested I try the Beef Stew ($14) and Crispy Crepes ($15). I already know what I want—a repeat of the mango salad, banh mi, and the shrimp salt wings.

We plan to do another girls’ outing, this time at Prosperity Bar, to try the Big Mac egg rolls, Philly Cheese Banh Mi, and some dumplings. Next time, we’ll be sure to include Lovegastrogirl and Divine Offering. Perhaps I’ll have to start my supper club again, No Man’s Dinner, with the president, Loaf2go. 

Pure Street Food

On Saturday, I met up with my colleagues. I hosted a little gathering at my house, and then we met for brunch the following morning. For this post, let’s listen to: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers. 

I suggested First Street Market because we wouldn’t have to wait in line, and there are traditional breakfast items and things I like to eat, like pho, dosas, and tacos. Freedom went to Friends with Benedicts, Nightengale bought a sandwich from Alforno, and Hammer bought a rice bowl from K-Town Fried Chicken. Despite the long lineup at Friends with Benedicts, Freedom picked up his food rather quickly. Hammer enjoyed her crispy soy garlic tofu bowl and recommended that next time, I try the new Korean stall. Nightengale carefully ate her messy sandwich, which dripped with white globs of fior di latte. I’ve been craving pho for months, so I went to Pure Street Food when I saw the owner, Lam Pham, was at the helm of his restaurant. 

When I sat down, I took a moment to inhale the sweet, comforting fragrance of Pure’s hu tieu bo sate ($19). Oh, it’s been too long since I last ate here. The steam from the pho floated up; and the scent clung to my hair for hours afterward.

Unlike other Vietnamese restaurants, there was more meat than noodles. I especially enjoyed the tender slices of beef shank and brisket. I could taste the quality of each piece of beef. My favourite part of the meal was gnawing rather indelicately eating around the beef rib to suck out all the gelatinous goodness. I noticed the bean sprouts were spanking fresh and ultra crunchy. Even the basil tasted extra vibrant. The noodles were noticeably silky and slippery, and I saw that the longer I took to eat them, the more the heaviness of the broth was absorbed into them. The broth is rich and heavily infused with spicy sate oil. 

Near the end of our meal, Lam came over to our table and dropped me off a treat—his special sesame donut with pork belly and pork crackling ($8). I was already so full of my pho, but the fei poi in me couldn’t resist such a gift. Each donut half was stacked high with soft layers of pork belly, pickled carrots, cucumber and sriracha aioli. At the back of each donut was a light, crunchy crackle from the pork. Each bite was decadent, heavy from the sauces, and sweet from the thin sesame shell, like a savoury dessert. 

There was so much in the bowl that I couldn’t finish all the noodles, and I barely drank the broth. Such a waste, as a beef broth like this, is an elixir of life. Next time I come, I’ll get my meal in a takeout bowl, eat all the noodles, and then take home the broth and meat. My new place of employment is two blocks from Pure Street, so I’ll be sure to return soon for my pho fix.

An An Kitchen & Bar

On Friday, Chew Steel and I decided to go out for an early dinner. He suggested we try a new restaurant he thought I would like, An An Kitchen & Bar. We parked at his sister and brother-in-law’s business, conveniently located right across from the restaurant. For this post, let’s listen to “Dilemma” by Green Day.

We sat in the enclosed patio, which I thought initially would be too chilly. However, there was a stove at the door that kicked off some heat. I decided on two of the most popular dishes: An An Bun Cha Ha Noi ($19.50, +$1 gluten-free spring rolls) and the Pan-Seared Scallops ($16). For drinks, we ordered Asahi ($8), which came in a can. The beer was ice-cold, but I wished it came in the correct size glass. As I sipped, I wondered if my glass of beer was half full or half empty.

The seared scallops arrived in a set of five. I enjoyed the crunch of the tempura seaweed, the toasted peanuts, and the brightness of the lemon and fish sauce. Dipping the scallops into the fish sauce was tricky, as the toppings would fall off. The second time I dunked into the sauce, I lost my grip on the scallop, and it took a nosedive into its pungent bath. Despite my chopstick technique failings, I recommend this appetizer for its texture and flavour combination.

The vermicelli platter was a platter of eye-rolling deliciousness. The pork meatball was so tasty, with a soft and juicy texture. Chew Steel raved about the pork belly, which surprised me as he doesn’t like fatty meats. The pork was charred and crispy, with the smell and taste of the grill.

I loved the spring rolls served piping hot, crusted with a light batter, and melted in your mouth. The fish sauce was notably sweet and tart. I used all the lettuce, carrots, basil, cilantro, and carrots to make wraps. I heaped the springy noodles on top of the lettuce, layered it with pickled vegetables and herbs, added the spring roll or pork belly, and then dunked it into the warm dipping sauce. Chew Steel preferred to eat his food like a regular vermicelli bowl. He noted all the ingredients blended well together.

The portion was so large, we were full for hours after our dinner. We plan to return, and often, for the vermicelli platter. Hitting the Sauce gives An An two phat thumbs up.

Avitus Wine Bar – Date Night

Last Monday, we wanted to get out and try somewhere new. I suggested Avitus, a tiny wine bar in Marda Loop. Chew Steel was game, so off we went. For this post, let’s listen to “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado.

Before we walked in, I warned Chew Steel that Avitus was a chick magnet. Usually, the men who show up look like they are on a hot date and aiming to impress. The bar is always full of women whooping it up—the ratio for every fearless man to woman is one to seven.

We sat at the only high table and started with a glass of wine. I tried the
Gun Metal Riesling ($16), a dry, minerally fruit-forward white wine. Chew Steel wanted a full-bodied wine and ordered a Pavillon De Trianon ($15). When I sipped his wine, I instantly got buyer’s remorse. Smooth and flavoured with infatuation, this is a bottle I would happily crush all night long.

For nibbles, we tried two cheeses, Delice de Bourgogne ($12), Comte ($12), Berkshire pork salami ($18), honey truffle ($4), carrots ($3), and a pickle ($3). The Delice De Bourgogne was Chew Steel’s favourite cheese; it was creamy and soft, oozing all over the bread. I liked the Comte because I’ve been more into nutty, hard cheeses lately. The truffle in the honey was dominant. The taste of truffle hit you first and then dissipated into the sweetness of the honey. I could taste a little smoke in the honey.

Chew Steel raved about the richness and chew of the salami. I thought the salami looked fattier than it tasted. The carrots were sweet, crunchy, and homemade. I enjoyed the juicy slices of the pickle, which helped cut into the salami’s fat.

We wanted another Pavillon De Trianon for our last glass of the night. However, fate is a cruel lover, and our server, who I suspect may be the owner, said there was no more. He suggested another wine that was similar but a little more refined, Chateau Beaumont ($17). While this wine was very good, I preferred our first red wine. The second wine tasted lighter and more delicate, but I like my wine with more of a punch.

I mentioned to Chew Steel that I would like to know what the owners of Cassis Bistro think of the wines and cheeses at Avitus Bar. It would be like Mozart and Beethoven meeting and reviewing each other’s work.

We had a great time trying new wines and cheeses. When we left, the bar was full of boisterous ladies jonesing for a good time. They know a good thing when they taste it. Hitting the Sauce gives Avitus two phat thumbs up.

Tail Gunner and Rau Bistro

Chew Steel and I stopped by Tail Gunner Brewery for a beer. Acme Pizza has officially moved into the brewery, and we saw several customers coming in to pick up a pie. Our server informed us if we wanted pizza, we could order from her, which is a different system than when Acme was at Two House Brewery. Let’s listen to “Angel” from Pink Pantheress for this post.

I went with my usual, the Linton Stephenson Czech Pilsner ($6.00, 330 ml). Chew Steel took a sip and noted it was crisp, dry and very “traditional.” I enjoyed the fresh foam and the light flavour. With beer this good, I don’t miss wine. 

I sipped Chew Steel’s Ross Dixon West Coast Pilsner pick ($6.00, 330 ml), and wow, this is a goodie. The initially tasted a little sweetness, followed by a tiny bit of bitterness. I thought the pilsner was floral, while Chew Steel smelled cedar and thought it was almost tropical. 

I was tempted to order a pizza, but I was craving Vietnamese food. I picked Rau Bistro, an old favourite of mine, located on Centre Street.

We shared the Banana Blossom Salad ($15) with Crispy Chicken Leg. The chicken itself was tasty, the skin a crackling, blistered brown. However, the salad mainly consisted of bamboo shoots with only a light sprinkle of carrots and herbs. The consistency of the salad was wet, soft and rubbery, with no distinct sweet or sour notes. The portion was large, but we only ate some of it. I read reviews of customers raving about this traditional dish, so maybe I wasn’t used to muted flavours. I would have preferred less bamboo shoots and more herbs, sprouts and banana blossoms.

I ordered a Mega Vermicelli Bowl ($18), and Chew Steel ordered a smaller version, the Grilled Meats Vermicelli Bowl ($16). The noodles in our bowl were plentiful but overcooked. However, the generous variety of crunchy vegetables made up for the noodles. He enjoyed the beef, which was sweet and smoky from what tasted like a charcoal grill. I loved the pork patty, which was juicy and just delicious. The shrimp was my second favourite protein, crunchy with a pleasant chomping quality. The chicken and spring rolls were a tad overcooked and chewy. The fish sauce tasted diluted and less potent than previous visits.

There was so much food in our bowls that we didn’t finish it. The portions are generous; you won’t walk away hungry after ordering a meal. We were content with the vermicelli bowls, but I wondered if we ordered the wrong dishes. When I looked around, everyone was enjoying hot steaming bowls of pho.

This particular visit is likely isolated, as it didn’t reach the high-level enjoyment I’ve experienced on prior occasions. I’m sure the wrap and roll combos and 7-course set meals are still on point. In any case, Rau Bistro is still a good option for Vietnamese food.

Salt & Brick – Girls’ Night

For our monthly girls’ night, we picked Salt & Brick, a hot spot that just opened up. Unfortunately, Betty was sick, so it was just Kournikova, Quebecoise and me. Let’s listen to “Confident” by Demi Lovato for this post.

We were seated on the main floor, near the front door. I liked our spacious table and comfy seats, which looked more comfortable than the low-riding tables in the lounge. We started with cocktails ($17) and admired the high ceiling and fun vibe. 

Based on our server’s recommendation, we tried the Beef Picanha ($42), Okonomiyaki Cabbage ($20), Brussel Sprouts ($23), Scallops ($35), and Cod Cheek Tempura ($28). Quebecoise selected an easy drinking white wine ($60), which went well with all the dishes we tried. 

The now closed Foreign Concept made the best Brussels sprouts I’ve ever tried, and Salt and Brick come in a close second. The sprouts were charred, salty, juicy, and sweet from the pickled grapes. The beer cheese sauce was rich. Kournikova commented that she could do without the buttery popcorn, which she thought didn’t add anything to the dish. The next set of pictures are better, as Quebecoise had the good sense shed some light from her phone for the photos.

Next was the okonomiyaki cabbage. The softness of the cabbage and the creaminess of the sesame aioli and bulldog sauce were delicious, reminding me a little of Pigeonhole’s version, as both are decadent. Kournikova preferred the cabbage over the Brussels sprouts because she found Salt & Brick’s version unique. 

The scallops were large and meaty. I enjoyed the sweetness of the heirloom carrots, while Quebecoise noted the smokiness from the bacon. Kournikova moaned that all the dishes were so rich. Of the three of us, I’m the least healthy and happiest from the night’s overindulgence of cream, butter and oil. 

The green papaya salad accompanying the cod cheek tempura stole the show. The nuac cham dressing was refreshing and tart, while the roasted peanuts added a pleasantly dry crunch. Wholesome, so simple, but so good. We all raved about that salad.

My favourite dish was the beef picanha. The edges of the steak were smoky and charred, and I enjoyed chewing the little niblets of hot fat. The steak itself was nicely spiced and tender. The mashed potatoes were thick and creamy, heavy and well-seasoned. I would order this again. 

Service was attentive and knowledgeable, and always on hand to discuss the food and wine we ordered in detail. I’m glad we checked it out, and I can see why Salt & Brick is such a popular spot. I’m looking forward to our next outing, perhaps hitting up an oldie but a goodie like Klein/Harris.

Phoenix Gate – Dim Sum

I haven’t lunched with Ms. Biz for the last two years, and since then, I’ve stopped eating out for dim sum. She had a way of ordering food that elevated the mediocre Chinese scene eked out in Cowtown. Now I can thank my friend Truth Serum for recommending a new gem, Phoenix Gate. For this post, let’s listen to “Pink” by Lizzo.

The first dish to arrive was the Sui Mai ($6.99). Mama mia! Check out the size of the steamed dumplings. The sui mai was three times the size of Phoenix Gate’s competitors. The pork filling was juicy, and the generous shrimp topping was toothsome. The red tobiko provided a nice little crunch to the sausage heavy dumpling. I would order this again.

The shrimp in the Ha Gow ($6.99) was steaming hot and twice as big as other dim sum joints. I liked how the dumpling wrapper was dry and still had a bite. It’s a pet peeve of mine when the rice wrapper is too gummy after being over steamed. The shrimp itself was plump with a nice crunch to it.

The wrapper on the Deep-Fried Shrimp Dumpling ($6.99) was so crunchy it was almost cracker-like. The shrimp inside was more of a spongy mousse, similar to shrimp paste at a Vietnamese restaurant, than the crunchy goodness of a whole shrimp.

I picked the Stir-Fried Turnip Cake X.O. sauce ($6.99). The turnip cubes were lightly crisp on the exterior yet hot and jiggly on the inside. This dish is a winner, and I would order it again. I tried the chili oil, which I found too hot, as you could only taste the overwhelming spicy heat and not any other aromatics. Next time, I would skip the chili oil, as the food is flavourful enough.

Also tied for best dish was the Shrimp & BBQ Rice Crepe ($6.99). This dish comes with both shrimp and BBQ pork rice rolls. Hot diggety dog! What I loved about this dish was the folds and folds of the silky soft rice roll and the generous amount of shaved pork. I enjoyed the squishy and quavery texture of the noodles in my mouth.

Truth Serum told me that sometimes the kitchen makes mistakes and cooks the wrong dish, then come out and offer it to customers at a discount. Moments later, our server came out to show us an order of seafood chowmein and spoke to her in Chinese. Truth Serum translated that the chef made the wrong dish and asked us if we wanted the seafood dish. She politely but firmly declined the accidental substitution.

The Meat and Seafood Chowmein ($16.99) is enough to feed a family of six. The noodles were swimming with pieces of BBQ pork, squid, scallops, shrimp, fish and chicken, Chinese mushrooms and bok choy.

Truth Serum mixed all the noodles with the sauce, so the crispy bits were already saturated in the gravy. I thought there was too much sauce, which made the dish soupy. I also would have preferred a little more crunch to the noodles. Truth Serum suspected the chef threw the seafood chowmein back into the wok and just added the missing meats.

Guess how much this feast cost us? A mere $55 bucks! Hip, hip, hooray! I can’t wait to check Phoenix Gate for dinner, as I hear the shrimp balls and other seafood dishes are good bets. Hitting the Sauce gives this little gem two phat thumbs up.

Taco Time in Cabo

Cabos San Lucas is only a four-hour flight, which makes for a quick and easy vacation for us. This trip was our fourth time in Cabos. I like revisiting vacation spots because I get to know all the best places. For this post, let’s listen to “La Raspa”.

One of my new favourite restaurants is Pezcabo, a 25-minute walk from the Marina. If you aren’t familiar with Cabos, consider taking an Uber as my wi-fi was spotty and it took Chew Steel some sleuthing to find Pezcabo. The menu is only in Spanish, and even with Google Translate, it took guessing to decipher. I downloaded some photos from Google to show what I wanted, not that I needed to, as there was one server whose English was so fluent that I could tell she studied abroad. We ordered ceviche, raw clams, octopus, tuna and fish tacos, and spicy tuna tostada.

We tried two types of ceviche – a raw prawn and octopus ceviche and a mixed ceviche of fish, octopus, raw and cooked prawns. I’ve never tasted fresher seafood, so good that I didn’t bother adding any of the dozen or so sauces on our table. I would get the ceviche again.

The raw clams came chopped up and only needed a squirt of fresh lime. The clams were sweet and clean tasting with a pleasant chew. Lately, I’ve been more on a clam kick than oysters because I find the flavour and texture more appetizing.

The spicy tuna tostada was a winner, taking on Asian flavours from the heavy mayonnaise and sesame seeds. The portion was so much that I asked Chew Steel to help me finish it. The diced tuna was cool in temperature and firm, and you could still taste the quality of the fish.

My octopus taco was delicious. The octopus was tender to the tooth, stewed with onions and cooked in a soy-based sauce. I would get the octopus tacos again.

On our second visit, one of the servers brought us complimentary shots of mescal with slices of orange. I found this liquor so smooth that I wanted to order a second one but restrained myself as it was a long walk back to our hotel. Next time we visit, I would like to try fried pork, tuna ceviche, baked clams, and oysters.

For the best fish tacos, visit the One and Only Tacos. The owner uses seabass, and you can taste the difference in the silkiness of the fillet. You have to wait a while at this seafood shack because they cook to order, but that ensures everything arrives piping hot. The salsa, hot sauce and cilantro sauces are homemade and a cut above their competitors; the flavours are lighter and brighter and don’t mask the star ingredients.

For tripe and asada tacos, El Paisa gets top marks. The tripe was creamy and decadent, reminding me a little of beef tendon. The regular steak is my preference over the more expensive, less greasy version, as its fat makes each bite squirt with flavour. With each order, you get homemade guacamole, cucumber, and other toppings.

Tacos Gardenias is a goodie for the shrimp tacos. I get three giant shrimp per taco, three times the size of other places. The shrimp has this incredible toothsome crunch with a golden-brown batter. There are bottles of sauces and a tray of cabbage, salsa, hot peppers and pickled onions to top your tacos.

Our go-to evening spot is La Lupita for the service, ambience, live music and some of the best chorizo and al pastor tacos. The chorizo is a flavour bomb – crunchy from fried pork skin and juicy from the homemade sausage. I ordered two chorizos, and the second proved too rich even for me. Except for the al pastor, most of the tacos are two or three times the cost of other places, but the amount of filling and creativity in each dish makes it more than worth it.

If you have any recommendations, let me know. I’m always eager to taco ’bout the best eats.

Lunar Year at Cassis Bistro

Five Stars and Me Shell visited Calgary to celebrate my belated birthday, which also happened on Lunar New Year. I debated against three options for our dinner – Sukiyaki House, Klein/Harris, and Cassis Bistro. I opted for the latter because Me Shell loves French cuisine. Let’s listen to “Racing Horses” by Cheng² Duo for this post. 

Upon arriving at 7:30 p.m. on a bustling Saturday, the music and energy of patrons lit up every seat in the house. We started our evening at the bar. I selected a glass of champagne, Me Shell opted for a gin and tonic, and Five Stars enjoyed a beer and lemonade cocktail. As we soaked in the energetic buzz, I admired the large white roses adorning the bar’s countertop.

Once seated at our table, we shared a charcuterie plate and a black olive tapenade. Don’t skip on the appetizers; the quality of each ingredient shines through. We relished combining bites from the fresh baguette with duck rillette, ham, and salami, then punctuating every third nibble with some salty tapenade or a tangy cornichon.

Service from the entire staff kept the meal seamless, replenishing our crackers and bread as we devoured our appetizers. We were getting full and wanted to save room for the main course, but we didn’t want to stop eating the charcuterie because it was that good. I know the French don’t do leftovers, but I’m Chinese, and we prefer not to waste food in my culture. The owner, Gilles, understood our dilemma and offered to pack away our appetizers. Thankfully, Gilles is culturally aware and exceedingly gracious. As it was the new Lunar Year, I saw this as a lucky omen for our family’s future dinners at Cassis. 

I recommended the steak frites to Five Stars, and he was thoroughly impressed. Five Stars looked at the ruby center and exclaimed he could tell this was a perfectly cooked steak. He took his first bite, closed his eyes and let out a little moan. I snagged a bite and loved how it was both tender and chewy. The meat itself was flavourful, charbroiled on the crisp edges. The crowning glory of his plate was the peppercorn sauce. The gravy was hot and decadent, soaking up the frites beautifully.

Pro-tip: Always get the featured fish or meat dish. You’ll get something unique and nearly impossible to find in Calgary. Me Shell picked the meat feature, duck breast, accompanied by a cheese sauce-infused potato dish and a flavorful salad featuring pine nuts and pomegranates. I’ve tried duck confit before, which I love for its fatty and crispy goodness. This dish was different. The breast was sliced thin and cooked to a medium rare. The texture was firmer than duck confit, similar to a lean steak. I loved pairing the bubbling hot side of cheesy potatoes with the salad of pomegranate, bitter greens, and pine nuts because of the contrasting textures, richness, and temperatures.

The seafood feature was monkfish with lobster sauce. This was the first time I tried monkfish, and I found the fish dense and meaty, reminiscent of a cross between a scallop and lobster. I liked how the light sauce complemented the fish’s natural sweetness, so I could still appreciate the delicate flavour profile.

The dessert was the perfect finale, solidifying Cassis Bistro as our new family tradition. The creme brûlée was warm and creamy with a delicate sweetness. The top layer was so thin that it shattered from a gentle tapping from my spoon. In contrast, the mousse was so rich from the intensity of dark chocolate. Both these desserts are worth ordering again.

From the hostess to the server and every other employee we encountered, the staff outdid themselves in terms of hospitality and food. The impeccable service impressed my siblings throughout our visit from the moment we entered until we left. Thanks, Me Shell, for taking us out for dinner. I look forward to showing off some of the other Calgary gems when you return in the spring.

Class Clown and Juice Imports Collaboration

Juice Imports and Class Clown hosted a unique lineup on Sunday night: hot honey butter cornflake-crusted chicken burgers, corn pop ice cream, and six new natural wines by the glass. I coaxed my friend Divine Offering to come out, as she’s a fan of both businesses. Let’s listen to “Who’s That Girl” by Eve.

Erik suggested we try Yokel Rose ($65), made by Josephine Perry, winemaker and proprietor of Dormilona Winery. He informed us that the winery’s mascot is the Western Swamp Tortoise, Australia’s most endangered reptile. Dormilona donates a portion of its sales to the Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise, an organization that relocates tortoises, restores their habitat, and funds research and projects such as the breeding program at Perth Zoo. Divine Offering noted that she hadn’t tried many rosés and found this one sweet and sour. We both tasted strawberries and lip-smacking yumminess.

She tried the night’s feature, Hot Honey Cornflake Crusted Chicken Burger ($15). She liked it even more than the Schezwannabe burger on the regular menu and Hi5’s version at First Street Market. She mentioned the sweetness from the honey stood out. I tried a bite and enjoyed the crunch and flavour from the butter, hot heat and honey. Divine Offering loved this burger so much she wished it was on the regular menu.

I wanted something simple, so I opted for the Phil A. O’Fish ($12.50). The burger reminded me of McDonald’s filet of fish, but a million times better. The cod was large and flaky. The grilled bun was buttered and squishy and held up to the crispy fish, gently sauced up with tartar sauce, melted cheese, and pickles.

We shared the Coney Fries ($8), which we prefer over the Super Fries we tried on our last visit. I like the beefy sweetness of the coney sauce; it reminds me of the meat pasta my mother made when we were kids.

For dessert, she tried Corn Pop Ice Cream ($7), and I tried a glass of the Meinklang Epic ($14). Damn, this was a lovely sparkling wine, dry and floral with tiny bubbles. I would get this wine again.

When I posted a picture from the night, my Instagram connection, Dannitrann, told me she was there too and thought she saw me. I saw her too but didn’t recognize her because my eyesight isn’t the best. I recognized her from her old Yelp posts, which I loved reading. She’s a good writer, and more importantly, she finds the best eats in the city.

I ordered a California Classic ($12.75) for Chew Steel, and he enjoyed it, stating it was one of the best burgers in the city. I mentioned it was only a dollar more than our favourite fast-food burger, Dave’s Double Cheeseburger. It’s safe to say we aren’t going to Wendy’s anymore for our cheeseburger fix. Thanks, Divine Offering, for the lovely company and for trying new wines with me.

Juice Imports – I only drink reds

Erik, co-owner of Juice Imports, visited Calgary and hosted an all-red wine lineup event ($50) at Vine Arts on 17th Avenue SW. When Chew Steel (formerly known as L) and I arrived, we were handed a glass of Tomato Wheels Lambrusco. I see this sparkling red wine everywhere in Calgary, and I noticed it’s popular with sommeliers, as it is always highly recommended. As we were sipping this delightfully fizzy beverage, I bumped into Alia, a co-worker at my previous place of employment. For this post, let’s listen to some chill French cafe music.

Erik dreamed up this session because he said the phrase, “I only drink red,” is the most common comment he’s heard here in Alberta, partly due to the calibre of the province’s beef and long winters. He described the wines we were about to try as “nerdy” and fun.

The first tasting was Jochen Beurer Trollinger ($34.11), one of his favourites in his lineup, and a wine he helped make in 2020. Light and bright, our wine master commented this drank like a white wine. The grapes themselves are big and juicy, thin-skinned and ruby red.

The second wine was Pinard et Filles Vin de Jardin ($51.83, discount $46.65), one of the rarest in his wine portfolio. The winery exports only to Paris, New York, Ontario, and, due to Erik’s persistence, Alberta. The fragrance was fantastic, and I loved how different this wine was from anything I had tasted. I asked Erik why this wine tasted so unusual. He explained that the grapes are resilient and hearty, and the genetic profile of these hybrid grapes is unfamiliar to most wine drinkers. He tasted “roses, hippy, floral and something utterly haunting.” Erik recommended pairing this wine with something opposite of its flavour, such as meaty French dishes, beef, liver, steak, or blood sausage.

Erik mentioned he only had six remaining bottles of this garden wine and other limited quantities of the rest of the lineup. Alia said she would battle it out with me. She mentioned she was competitive, and I said I wasn’t, which is true because the word I would use to describe myself in these situations is ‘pour’severant. Whenever I enjoyed a wine, I trotted downstairs and asked an employee to tuck it away for me. I fancied this wine so much that I bought three bottles, two for me and one for my friend Lululemon.

The third wine was Craven Firs Syrah ($40.21). It smelled like a conventional red wine, but it tasted sweet and silky. Erik noted dark fruit, like figs or blueberry pie. He mentioned the wine maker’s philosophy revolves around texture and noted factors that affect the style and flavour of red wine, such as stems, maceration, and oak. Another interesting fact is Cabernet Sauvignon contains white juice.

I enjoyed the fourth wine, Pacina Rosso Toscana (2014, $46.98). Chew Steel took a shine to this red, which I found fresh, light and dry. The sips with sediment tasted better than the first sip without. Erik described the scent as roses in their riper stage, and another customer likened it to the smell of a leather jacket.

I asked Erik about wine markup at restaurants and what to expect for a wine I buy at a liquor store for around thirty bucks. A customer piped up and mentioned the Keg doesn’t markup any of their wines. I told Chew Steel that we have to start dining there again. I mentioned to the other guests that Class Clown sells the best priced wines in town, and you can get a good one for only $50.

The fifth wine was Domaine Breton Nuits d”Ivresses ($44.70), a dry wine that pleasantly puckered my mouth. Chew Steel enjoyed this wine. Erik communicated that the winemaker is a legend in France and told us this wine uses Cabernet Franc from 50-plus-year-old vines from several terroirs, grown in primarily clay and limestone.

The sixth wine was Domaine Richaud Terre De Gallets ($37.37, discount $33.63). Chew Steel and I agreed this was our second favourite wine. Erik mentioned that marketing dictates price; the more successful a winery is, the better price they can get. This winery is less marketed than its neighbours, reflected in its price to customers. I bought two bottles. Erik recommends pairing this wine with lamb and thinking of what grows well in the region’s landscape rolling hills, such as wild lavender, rosemary, oregano, and garlic.

Erik advised us that vintages can differ yearly due to countless factors and explained how some wineries can create the same flavour profile year after year. I quizzed him on his stance on consistency versus the style of dynamic wines he sells. For example, if I splurge on a bottle, I want to know what I’m getting, hence my fondness for his wine tastings. Torn, he expressed it comes down to two different experiences. He enjoys the emotional expression of his lineup and the fun that comes from tasting wildly different flavours and textures. He compared these wine styles to Marc Seguin’s work (i.e. dynamic) versus the familiarity you can get at IKEA (i.e. consistency). He said it was like comparing the familiarity and affordability of Campbell’s chicken soup and his love for his grandmother’s soup, which changes based on the ingredients in her kitchen.

The bonus tasting is from a place I’m familiar from past events, Laurent Cazottes. The farm produces incredible liqueurs from tomatoes, walnuts, pears, plums and grapes. 2015 Folle Noir (discount $34.51) is made with 50-plus-year-old grapes, its whole berries macerated in a distillate from Folle Noir from the previous vintage. I bought three bottles, some for gifts.

Thanks, Erik, for hosting an epic wine session. Your Calgary customers badly needed the ‘pour-fact’ guidance from their favourite wine expert, who always uncorks the secrets of superb wines.

YYC Pasta – Kensington

For our work holiday lunch, some colleagues mentioned they would prefer to have dinner (with spouses) instead. While our budget for lunch was generous, stretching it into dinner was trickier in today’s economy. For this post, let’s listen to “Last Christmas” by Wham.

All my favourite spots would average $75 for a three-course meal without beverages. My colleague Grassy found an upscale place for $50 per person, but dessert and non-alcoholic drinks would push us way over. Lucky for my office, I found a Christmas miracle: a restaurant willing to accommodate our size, food restrictions, and budget. I went through every restaurant in Calgary to determine which place could meet our budget, and after a phone call at YYC Pasta Bar, I learned they have a private room for 30 customers. They also offer a four-course meal for $50; and most non-alcoholic beverages are only $3.

YYC Pasta is in the old Cotto spot in Kensington, which was a favourite restaurant of mine. I’ve never been before because I was sad to see Cotto gone and replaced with another Italian restaurant. However, I overcame my reluctance, mainly after talking to Sebastian, who promised to look after our vegan and lactose-intolerant guests. I got the sense they wanted our business, even though I was counting everything down to the last nickel.

Photo: Jov Montes

Dimples, L and I arrived early, but the Great One and several other guests were already seated. I mentioned the stragglers would be left alone at a big table. Grassy had the good sense to pull two tables together so the latecomers could sit with us. One thing I noticed about engineers is that they are excellent at solving problems.

Photo: Jov Montes

Our first course was the Caprese salad, a chilled and refreshing combo of sliced tomatoes, bocconcini, and balsamic reduction. The cheese was cold and creamy. I enjoyed the arugula’s pepperiness and the crunch from the salt flakes. When Aphrodite found out L doesn’t like tomatoes, she and M added it to their green salads.

Photo: Jov Montes

Our next course was a choice between calamari or bruschetta. The portion of the calamari was so large that most of us were full before our main dish. Everyone raved about the squid. The batter was thick and crunchy, while the squid was still perfectly tender. Uncle W mentioned he enjoyed the calamari and remarked most restaurants in landlocked Alberta don’t cook it well.

Photo: Jov Montes

L and I both ordered the veal tortellini, which is made in-house. The pasta was al-dente and super hot, clearly fresh from the pan. The sauce was rich, decadent, creamy, and dotted with ground meat. The pasta portion was so large that everyone took it home for dinner the next day. I would order this again. Reheated the next day, the pasta was just as good as the night before, though the cream turned into an oil.

Photo: Jov Montes

When the main course came out, a few people needed clarification – did they order the gnocchi or penne chicken? I remembered everything on that Excel spreadsheet. Uncle W never respond to the chef’s request to preorder by the deadline, so he got the chicken penne. M wanted chicken penne but no dairy in the sauce. Office Guardian ordered gnocchi because her husband ordered the tortellini, and they like to share everything so they can try more dishes. Sometimes, they even mix the sauces, which I’m totally against.

Photo: Jov Montes

Right before dessert, I asked Uncle W to pull out the winners of our five-door prizes. Except for one ticket, all four went to the marketing department. Several people accused me of fixing the prizes. Mrs. SentientQ observed the little gift box I put the names in was so tiny that Uncle W had difficulty drawing out each name. She and others speculated it would have been easy to drop specific names on the top. The draw was fair, but I admit, the optics could have been better. I cajoled the mob by stating I would take one of the non-winners (i.e. the losers) out for hot chocolate with my winnings, which seemed to appease some of them.

Photo: Jov Montes

The finale for many was the dessert. Whenever Sebastian dropped off a dessert, we startled him by loudly oohing and aahing. The desserts were so massive that most of us took it home. The warm chocolate was light and sponge-like, with a drizzle of not-too-sweet icing.

Photo: Jov Montes

At the night’s end, Sebastian patiently took pictures of us after we rearranged all the furniture to suit our pictorial needs. Sorry, Sebastian, my peeps are used to solving problems! Thanks, YYC Pasta, for making our dinner a success. No one went home hungry or unhappy, and we are so thankful you accommodated our group. Hitting the Sauce gives this pasta joint two phat thumbs up.

Class Clown

On Sunday, I texted Divine Offering and asked if she wanted to go somewhere for dinner. We went back and forth and decided on Class Clown, a new burger joint that opened up in Mission. I heard the burgers were delicious; and they served natural wines from Juice Imports. For this post, let’s listen to “It’s Tricky” Run DMC.

While I walked over, I signed up for the online waitlist about twenty minutes before I scored a seat at the bar. The heady smell of the beef hit me when I was still a block away. I like the vibe of the place. The space is very 70s, with curtains fringed around the bar’s ceiling and amber lights set against the walls. Rap music, on the other hand, was right from the early 90s, played loud and proud. I spotted a small private room that looked cozy and secluded. I wonder how you score that table.

Photo credit: Divine Offering

Divine Offering and I shared a bottle of Orenji Dormilona ($55). We would get a glass, but our bartender persuaded us it was a better deal to get the bottle. I found the wine juicy, fresh, and easy to drink. Divine Offering mentioned she had never tried orange wine before and would order this again.

Photo credit: Divine Offering

I was craving a burger. I ordered the California Classic ($12.75) and paired it with the Super-Duper Fries ($8.50). I informed Divine Offering that Miss Foodie highly recommended the Szechuwannabe Hot Chicken ($12.5), which she picked.

I loved my burger. The beef was lacey and crisp, and the two patties were proportional to the generous amount of lettuce shards, tomatoes, and squishy bun. I liked the stickiness of the cheese and how flavourful every ingredient tasted. Each bite was airy, crunchy and overwhelmingly delicious. It was so good that we stopped talking and just enjoyed every bite.

Photo credit: Divine Offering

The bowl of fries arrived utterly covered in melted cheese, house sauce, and Coney sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of Cheetos. The best component of the fries is the coney sauce, which is sweet, meaty and tangy. I liked the fries, but I would have preferred splitting another burger with Divine Offering, because the burger was that good.

Photo credit: Divine Offering

Divine Offering said her chicken sandwich was one of her favourites in the city, and it was a tie between this one and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich from Hi-5 Burger at First Street Market. She mentioned the batter was crispy, and the chicken was juicy. She didn’t find it too spicy or heavy, even though it was dripping with sauce and oil.

Photo credit: Divine Offering

When I came home, I told L he missed out. Class Clown makes one of the best burgers in the city, and we have to go back to try some of the other offerings. Hitting the Sauce gives Class Clown two phat thumbs up.

Pigeonhole – Girls’ night

For this month’s girls’ night, we decided on Pigeonhole. Now that Betty is pregnant, I always check to see if the restaurant has food that she’ll like so she doesn’t end up hangry. We met at Quebecois’ house for a glass of wine before heading to the restaurant. For this post, let’s listen to “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple.

Pigeonhole was hopping on a Friday night. At 7:00 p.m., most of the tables were full or in the process of being turned over for a new party. When asked if we wanted still or sparkling, we opted for the latter. Quebecois thought the restaurant served in-house sparkling water, which is only a couple of bucks a person, but we learned too late that they have only small bottles of sparkling water ($6). The sparkling water tasted fresher than most bubbles, but when it comes to water, I prefer it el cheapo, straight from the tap.

Quebecois looked at the wines on the menu and mentioned to our server that many were “young”. She and her husband are really into aged wines. The server said the restaurant likes its wines young and fresh. We ordered a bottle of Hiedler “lӧss” ’20 ($65). Quebecois commented the wine had low acidity and no strong taste, which she preferred. I enjoyed how cold the wine was and thought it tasted better than when it warmed up in my glass.

The wagyu beef tartare ($21) was even better than the last time I tried it. The beef was chilled, creamy and salty from the cheddar and horseradish. Betty enjoyed the kick of flavour in it, which I thought tasted like pickles. I would get this again.

Quebecois wanted the scallop crudo ($17). Kournikova enjoyed the chili-citrus vinaigrette, which she thought was almost as good as my homemade chili oil. I found the scallop a tad fishy, but I loved the pop of basil and the crunch from the Marcona almonds.

I wanted to try the mushroom croquettes ($9). Small but mighty, hot and crunchy, this was a one bite wonder. I would order this again.

The group’s favourite dish was the charred cabbage ($17). This dish is pure decadence. Imagine the flavour from the crispiest skin on a porchetta or torched salmon belly with kewpie mayo, but it’s cabbage. Covered in cheese and most likely a lot of butter and mayonnaise, everyone ate with their eyes closed and a smile on their lips. Kournikova mentioned she liked the little jalapeno spice that hit her throat at the very end.

I took all the photos this time and I’m pleased with the one of the roasted mini peppers ($9). The peppers were blistering hot, with a delicious char on them. Simple, but perfectly cooked. I was glad Kournikova wanted this dish, as I wanted something more wholesome after the cabbage.

Kournikova picked the Berkshire pork chop ($48). Maybe I’m not used to fancy pork, but I found the texture tough. The baked split peas reminded me a little of baked beans, and the roasted onions were silky smooth and delicious.

Betty always likes to order a pasta dish, so this one was for her. The ricotta cavatelli ($30) came with lobster mushroom, bacon, rosemary, and poached egg. The noodles were firm. I know the term “lobster mushroom” describes a specific type of mushroom with a unique appearance. However, I wish it was called something else because once I see the word lobster, I can’t stop expecting to taste lobster.

Our next outing will be at Kama, a restaurant I was reluctant to book before because they require a credit card when reserving via Opentable. However, my friends don’t flake, so I am willing to break my number one restaurant rule of never reserving a table at a new restaurant using my card. Thanks for the company, ladies, I’m already looking forward to the next dinner!

Opal Restaurant – Azuridge Estate Hotel

It was my mother-in-law’s birthday, so her husband, Bobbino, took us out to Opal Restaurant at Azuridge Estate Hotel. It’s a beautiful spot located in the foothills. We sat next to the crackling fireplace and enjoyed watching the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For this post, let’s listen to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder.

Bobbino told me to pick out the wine. I wanted to avoid racketing up a hefty bill, as he was treating us to dinner, so I selected Pardon & Fils Beaujolais-Villages Gamay ($56), a fresh and fruity Beaujolais. Bobbino enjoyed this wine so much that he ordered a second bottle.

Our server Carly opened the bottle, poured me a little to taste, and handed me the cork. No one has even given me the cork after opening a bottle of wine, so when I went home, I looked it up found out it’s an old tradition. I thought it would be funny when the next time Lululemon comes over, I repeat the ritual, so she knows I’m not serving some faux wine. 

Carly came around with an amuse bouche, a hot, crunchy arancini. The shell’s inside was creamy and cheesy, which popped nicely against the bright tomato sauce. 

We shared the charcuterie plate ($42), and our eyes popped out when it was delivered to our table. The platter was piled high with cured meats, cheeses, pepper jam, dried fruits and nuts. 

Before our mains, Carly brought a palate cleanser and a scoop of passionfruit sorbet, served on a plaque of ice. L admired the clarity of the ice, noting there were no bubbles. G’Mah’s ice platter was more elaborate than ours, as it was imprinted with a happy birthday message. G’Mah mentioned it was worth photographing, but L didn’t take the hint and never took a picture. 

Everyone but L ordered the lamb duo ($55), even though Carly recommended it over the ribeye ($55). L’s steak was huge, so big I ate almost half of it. Though his steak was tasty, our rack of lamb was phenomenal.

I loved how tender it was, and Bobbino noted there was no gamey flavour. The lamb tasted clean and almost sweet. G’Mah raved about the garden’s fresh carrots and asparagus, while I was impressed with the crispy potatoes and the ultra-fluffy stuffing. The curry hummus was a great addition to the lamb and potatoes. G-Mah reminded Bobbino of the time when he was given some mint jelly with lamb and how he hated it. He winced and said he didn’t want to talk about it. I also do not like to relive bad food memories.

I understand why people bother driving out of the city to experience such a peaceful experience. We spent almost three hours leisurely sipping and dining while gazing at the picturesque view. Thanks, Bobbino, for a wonderful meal, and happy birthday to G-Mah!

Sidewalk Citizen – Bread Class

For years, I’ve wanted to take a bread class at Sidewalk Citizen. The opportunity finally came up when my friend Divine Offering mentioned she wanted to start taking some cooking classes. She was game for a bread session ($150), so we booked it. For this post, let’s listen to “If I Had a Million Dollars” by Barenaked Ladies.

Divine Offering and I are chronically early for everything, which is one of many reasons we get along so well. We were both half an hour early, so we sipped on a cold pint at Charbar. After, we moseyed over to Sidewalk’s section and sat with seven other guests at the bar.

We helped ourselves to pastries and sat at our seats. The head baker, Chloe Lomas, introduced herself, and we started the interactive two-hour class. We used a recipe from Jeffrey Hamelman’s “Bread” to make a basic sourdough. Due to the quality of their products, I wasn’t surprised to learn we could only buy the red fife flour and heritage grains at Community Foods and two places I’ve never heard of, Heritage Harvest and Scottish Mills.

For a scale, Chloe recommended buying an inexpensive model from Superstore. For a Dutch oven, she endorsed checking second-hand stores and the breadbasket, either at the dollar store or improvising with a colander at home. I respected her recommending affordable options, especially since we were all beginners.

Chloe talked about starters and the work that goes into feeding one daily. She encouraged us to name it and warned us that we would likely have to toss and create a one. For example, if your starter turns orange, pink or red, it is a sign there are harmful bacteria in it, and you need to chuck it.

We weighed the ingredients and learned how to knead and shape the sourdough. I was too rough with the dough and overworked it, while Divine Offering had right touch and molded her dough into a smooth ball. We both appreciated Chloe’s laidback teaching style and encouraging support during the class.

We made crackers from the excess initial mix and seasoned them with salts and spices from the Silk Road Spice Merchant. Divine Offering reflected it was the perfect way to use the discard, and she could easily change the spices every time. The spices reminded her of Cheez-Its. Once baked, we ate the still-warm crackers with red wine.

My favourite part of the class was making our pizza. When we stretched the dough, I resisted the urge to throw it up in the air like I saw the owner at Azzurri Pizzeria. I loaded up my pizza with tomato sauce, bacon, mushrooms, bocconcini and roasted red peppers. I named it the 300-pound pizza. My creation was delicious, the key notable feature being the crispy, fresh crust. Divine Offering mentioned that this was the best part of the class for her too, as there were so many great toppings, and the crust was so light.

It was fun to hang out in the kitchen of one of the best bakeries in Calgary. I told Chloe it’s one of my fantasies to work at a bakery (my other is making cheese platters for Peasant Cheese). She confirmed being a baker is hard on the body, and you have to get up early. The following day, when I saw my baked loaf, I thought I’d better stick to my day job. I didn’t follow the instructions, and with baking, you really ought to.

In the following days, Divine Offering and I exchanged tips and pictures and asked each other questions. You would think that something as simple as bread would be easy. I experienced that an exceptional loaf of bread requires skill, technique, time, quality ingredients and more patience than I have. Let’s just say Sidewalk will not lose me as a customer, and unfortunately, L won’t wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread in the mornings.

I recommend taking this class if you are serious about making the best bread possible or want a great night out. This was the most fun and informative cooking class I’ve taken. Divine Offering thought the format was ideal for beginners, and she got her money’s worth. We took home three balls of dough and our leftover pizza and crackers. She also liked how it was a hands-on format so we could practice the techniques before attempting it at home. Hitting the Sauce gives Chloe and Sidewalk Citizen two phat thumbs up.

Parents’ Pub – Calgary Winter Club

L’s colleagues invited him to the pub at the Calgary Winter Club. Since spouses were invited, I tagged along. Notinabox came down to greet us and bring us up to the restaurant. Already sitting at the table were Freakinghot and Badbf, whom we’d met before at a party last year. I also met Last Spike and his wife, Craigellachie. Let’s listen to “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos.

L and I ordered a cold pint of Last Best ($11). When Matech and Fit arrived, he selected a glass of red wine. I instantly got buyer’s remorse. I righted the wrong for my second drink by asking the server to get me whatever Matech chose. I don’t know what wine it was, but it was smooth and easy to sip. When I returned home, I looked at the wine menu and noticed some bottles from Juice Imports. I don’t know what the pub is called, so I’ll just refer it to as the Parents’ Pub.

L and I both ordered the Nashville chicken burger ($21). Last Spike’s steak fries ($26) looked good, as did Notinabox’s short rib mac and cheese and Matech’s tacos. Everyone’s food looked appetizing and was priced less than our local pub. Last Spike said this is where all the parents head off once they drop their kids off for their activities.

L was a good sport when I asked him to take pictures of the food. He only lamented that he never gets any credit on my blog for being the photographer. Fit complimented L’s photos. He thanked her and said his pictures were good, but they all have one look (Zoolander reference) that he calls “chewsteel”.

The chicken was all white meat. With the crunchy batter and spicy coating of hot sauce, the burger reminded me of eating hot wings but with fancy greens and in the softest, lightest brioche bun. The fries were long with an ultra-crunchy coating.

The conversation was a refreshing change from the norm. We talked about parking lots, railway environmental contamination, forty-three-dollar cocktails and crocheted outfits at fancy hotel restaurants, the shame as a student of losing to Bowness High and the importance of being north of the river.

Notinabox provided a tour of the facilities before we left for the night. My first impressions of the club were positive. Employees and members alike were friendly and polite. A constant stream of well-behaved kids ran in and out of the facility. If you have children, this would be a wholesome environment to grow up or if you’re already an adult, a place to safely toss your kids for the day. I joked with Fit that if Daenerys Targaryen could hatch her fossilized dragon eggs, anything is possible with me. Thanks for the fun company, Notinabox, and I look forward to hosting the next get-together.

Banh Mi Date #14 – Van Express

Office Guardian walked over to Dimples and asked her where she wanted to go for lunch. Dimples pointed to Office Guardian’s belly and suggested wherever the baby wanted. They turned to me and asked for a recommendation. Let’s listen to “Possession” by Sarah McLachlan for this post. 

I suggested they head to Van Express for the pho or various soups as it was raining, and they wouldn’t have to walk outside. Office Guardian ran to get M to join and asked if I wanted to come along. I told them I would go for a walk, as it is tricky to navigate in the +15, but I would drop them off and continue on to Wise & Wright. Please note that all the pictures below were taken by Dimples.

When we arrived, the food smelled so good and the company so fun I decided to forgo my walk and join them. Eating here would also mean getting closer to my goal of 19 banh mi dates, even though it wasn’t L taking me. 

Office Guardian ordered Tom Yum ($11.90), Dimples ordered wonton noodle soup with vegetables and noodles ($11.50), and M and I both ordered a beef sate sub ($8.81). I was impressed that Tom Yum was packed with seafood, such as shrimp, fish balls, imitation crab, and fresh basil leaves. Office Guardian said the soup was nice and flavourful and not overly spicy. 

Dimples wonton soup looked good, too. The pork wontons were big and round, packed with meat. I told Dimples it was a pet peeve of mine when the wonton is more noodles than filling. The egg noodles looked properly cooked, thin and al dente. I could smell the cilantro in both their soups. She could only eat half, as she found the portion so filling. 

Our banh mi was the size of a foot-long sub. M mentioned that the bread, melted white cheese and meat tasted similar to Thi Thi. The carrots were cold and pickled, just the way I like them. The addition of onions and jalapeno gave it a nice bite. Price-wise, this is one of the cheapest and largest in the downtown core, aside from Thi Thien, who still only charges $4.99 for an assorted banh mi. I like this beef sate sub more than To Me, Secret Vietnamese Cafe and Thi Thien, but less than Pho 99, Pho Soc Trang or Banh Mi Nu Y. 

Banh mi date 14 out of 19. Only five more to go to accomplish my goal of going out on 19 banh mi dates. It’s important to have serious life goals.

Cactus Club and Barbarella

After our lunch at Klein / Harris, we took headshots, attended an in-office yoga class, and ordered delivery from Cactus Club before heading to our terrarium-making class at The Plant Shop. Let’s listen to “Sweet Potato Pie” by Ray Charles for this post.

Happy and I ordered the tuna poke ($26), which was pretty tasty. By the time the food was delivered by Doordash, the tempura bits were soggy, and so was the lettuce. The amount of tuna was small, but the roughage in the salad made it a satiating meal. Happy loved her poke, but I would only order this again if I ate it in the restaurant when it was freshly made.

Dimples ordered the bacon cheeseburger with truffle fries ($26), which looked like it held up better than my dish. She confirmed it was satisfying, stacked with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, onions and lettuce. Happy and I finished Aphrodite’s truffle fries, as she couldn’t finish them. We all agreed that Cactus Club serves up some of the better fries in the city.

We made it to the Plant Store in the nick of time. We had to backtrack as I thought the workshop was in its original Inglewood location rather than its new secondary spot. When we finished, Aphrodite wanted us to vote for the best terrarium, and everyone agreed Care Bear’s was the most creative. Note that he took all the pictures from the plant workshop.

The next day, after a persona workshop, we ended the day at Barbarella on Stephen Avenue, my new favourite spot for a glass of wine during happy hour. From 3:00-5:00 pm daily, all beverages and pizzas are fifty percent off.

Dimples took all the pictures from Barbarella. I felt guilty asking her to take our food shots because, at our photo shoot earlier that day, my boss asked why there was a hold-up for our headshots. Dimples told my boss I was so particular; they had nearly taken a hundred images, and I didn’t like them. Care Bear observed I only want photos from a certain angle. He is correct. Dimples assured me she loves taking pictures of food.

I ordered a large glass of Lambrusco (HH $12.50), while Dimples ordered the calamari ($16), as she was still thinking of the version Klein / Harris served us up for lunch the previous day. The calamari looked more like zucchini peelings, so I was pleasantly surprised to find the squid tender with a tempura-like batter. This appetizer is worth ordering again.

I encouraged Dimples to order a pancetta pizza (HH $12) so she wouldn’t have to cook dinner. She admired the thin, crunchy crust and mentioned she enjoyed it but was so full of the calamari that she took the rest home.

Care Bear ordered some gluten-free dishes, like the scallops and pasta. However, when his girlfriend came, they saved the rest of their appetite for a feast at Ten Foot Henry, where they ate one of the best meals in Calgary.

Service has always been attentive and friendly, from the hostess to the servers. I also like the variation in their wine list, as there’s ample selection. Hitting the Sauce gives their happy hour two phat thumbs up.

Klein / Harris – Work lunch

This week, our department had our team-building activities. I picked Klein / Harris for our lunch because Care Bear is celiac, Aphrodite is vegan, and Happy has a peanut allergy. If you have dietary restrictions, Klein / Harris is the place to go, as they offer so many options for everyone. For this post, let’s listen to The Scrantones.

We started with an assortment of mocktails. My drink was spicy from the ginger and fruity from the fresh bulb of orange at the bottom. Dimples, our recently onboarded social media specialist, took a video of our celebratory toast and suggested that we recreate it in reverse, commencing with the glasses touching and then moving them back. I complained it felt ingenuine to make a reverse toast, but she disclosed that it would actually create a more seamless and engaging visual when edited into a reel. I trust her as she is the expert. Please note that all the images showcased below were skillfully and quickly photographed by Dimples.

Aphrodite ordered the grilled Humboldt squid ($19) for the table to share. Happy didn’t know this and picked the squid as her main. Care Bear requested the butternut squash soup ($10) and the smoked duck ($19). Aphrodite picked a heritage green salad ($12) with a filet of salmon. Dimples and I both ordered the daily special, coho salmon with potatoes.

Everyone loved the squid. The texture was soft as butter. Dimples raved about the tenderness while Happy’s eyes rolled to the back of her as she ate her squid. I also liked the sweet sauce and soft potatoes nestled underneath the seafood. No one makes better calamari than Klein / Harris.

Care Bear enjoyed his soup, stating it was terrific. He said he makes good butternut squash soup, and this version is even better than what he makes at home.

The coho salmon was a winner. Holy smokes – that skin was crunchy and perfectly seasoned. The salmon was buttery and juicy, and the middle was glossier than the exterior. The center tasted richer and fattier and melted in my mouth. I would get this again.

Care Bear ordered frozen cheesecake mousse ($10) for dessert, as it was gluten-free. Aphrodite and I also ordered the mousse but with the graham crackers. Happy picked the mint chocolate sandwich ($10), and Dimples ordered the best dessert of the group, the K/H butter tart ($8). She insisted I try some of her pastry. Oh wow – the crust was warm and flaky, while the combination of the whipped cream and sweetness from the ice cream was just good old-fashioned comfort food.

My frozen cheesecake was yummy. The sweetness from the rhubarb preserves served as the perfect foil to the tangy, yogurt-like mousse. Dimples loved the dusting of the butter graham crumbs.

When it comes to enjoying a lunch along Stephen Avenue, I can’t envision a better spot. The atmosphere around me affirmed that I wasn’t the only one, as every table was filled with happy customers. Thanks, Klein / Harris, for delivering another exceptional dining experience.

Side Hustle and Annabelle’s Kitchen

L and I met with Matech and Fit for drinks at Side Hustle in Marda Loop. On its website, Side Hustle is self-described as a watering hole tucked behind an alley, so I was surprised to find this bar anything but a hole in the wall. Let’s listen to “Radio” by Lana Del Rey for this post.

We sat on a comfortably large sofa across from the bar by the front. L admired the lamp fixtures against the wall while I noticed the open window wall. A group of young, clamorous females sat in one corner while every 15 minutes or so, a customer would come in, sit at a nook by the bar, and order a fondue and a glass of wine. 

For most of our visit, only one bartender took the orders, crafted drinks and brought out food, all without a single drop of sweat. L and Matech drank beers while Fit ordered a glass of Lambrusco (Solco, $11). Our server recommended a chai cocktail. Sweet, light and pretty, with aromatic spices, this is a winning cocktail. I relished the flavour combination so much that I told my friend Kournikova we had a new place to try for girls’ night.

Fit was hungry, so we ordered some snacks: Tom’s sausage rolls ($13), Parm fries ($10) and warm olives ($8). The pastry on the sausage roll was flaky. The filling itself was well seasoned. I found the homemade hot sauce a little too fiery. The frites were crispy and tasty. I commented there was aioli for the frites, and Fit disclosed that she doesn’t care for dipping sauce. L noted he liked the olives, which is a big compliment, as he doesn’t like olives outside of Greece.

A novel twist in the conversation unfolded when Matech chatted about his latest project. As he delved into the details, I was puzzled, as it seemed unusual for their workplace to start up on this particular venture. However, Matech quickly clarified the mystery, revealing that he worked with L part-time. His full-time gig was in the tech industry. It was funny that he had a side hustle, much like the bar we were in.

When we finished our second round of drinks, Matech said it was time to go. L picked up the tab, and I went on my phone to click onto an Uber. Matech, a master of spontaneity, clarified that we were all heading to a second locale. I looked at my watch, surprised, as it was already 8:00 p.m. Fit said they Ubered out, so they wanted to get their night’s worth despite having to fly out first thing in the morning. 

We snagged a table at Annabelle’s Kitchen. Matech ordered a bottle of Montepulciano wine as well as the crispy cauliflower ($16), arancini ($15), Nonna’s meatballs ($17), and a pizza (Mind Your Manners, $25). Matech picked this wine because he recently visited the Montepulciano region. I also learned that Fit doesn’t like dry wine because she finds the mouthfeel off-putting.

Speaking of wine, Fit told us about these fun wine parties she attends, hosted by the Wine Wizard. Small world! It turns out she’s friends with the Wine Wizard’s sister. I disclosed how we used to be next-door neighbours with the Wine Wizard, and the first time we met, he came to drop off a bottle of champagne. Fresh out of grad school and working as a research assistant, I drank the cheapest wine I could find at the time: Apothic. So when the Wine Wizard entered our house, I asked him if he wanted a glass of wine. He politely thanked me, and as he swirled and sniffed, I instantly got a bad feeling in my tummy. I never ask people what they do for a living, but a little voice in my head was panicking, so I inquired. He responded, “Oh, I import wine and am a wine connoisseur.” My face burned with embarrassment, and I fought the urge to shout in slow motion, “Noooooo!” and slam that glass out of his hand before he took a sip. Even now, when I reflect back, I wonder how he effortlessly drained that towering glass without even the slightest flinch. He transformed into a champion, a sorcerer of spirits, and for that one cursed evening, he was nothing short of a benevolent deity.

Our food came quickly. We first bit into the arancini, which was crunchy on the outside and hot and cheesy in the middle. Next up was the beef meatballs, which I found soft and mealy. I enjoyed swirling my meatball into the creamy pool of polenta, though Fit mentioned she dislikes cornmeal. The cauliflower had a light batter that melted in your mouth, and the vegetable tasted nutty and caramelized. I would order the fried cauliflower again.

The crust on the pizza was thin and crisp, with a proportional amount of pepperoni, mushrooms and mozzarella. The hot honey and red sauce gave it a needed kick. The food was tasty, but I really appreciated the stellar service at Annabelle’s and Side Hustle. Though it cleared out when we finished eating, our server never rushed us out and kept topping us up with water.

Thanks for the dinner Matech and Fit, and for the fun company. We will have to get together again, either at our place or at one of the Wine Wizard’s dinner events. I’ll even bring a very special bottle of wine we can drink before the event, to toast to the Wine Wizard, and it won’t be Apothic.

The Himalayan – Double date

On Saturday, I had reservations to check out Clos de la Oyster Barre as I heard a wine writer was pouring some excellent glasses of wine. However, Quebecois texted me that they got a babysitter and invited us to join them at Cassis Bistro. Neither could accommodate extra guests when we checked with each restaurant, so I suggested The Himalayan. Let’s listen to “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka for this post.

Quebecois and Sirski came over to our house to share a bottle of Burrowing Owl I’ve been saving, a present given to me a few months ago. Then we hopped into L’s SUV and zipped over. The restaurant seemed short-staffed, as one tired but kind looking woman was doing everything in our section.

To start, L and Sirski ordered beers ($11). Quebecois and I couldn’t find anything we liked on the wine list, so we ordered a pineapple cocktail ($11.50). We enjoyed our drinks. The pineapple was sweet, and the pleasantly strong, tropical notes reminded me of being at a Mexican resort.

For food, we shared the pork momos ($16, plus two extra dumplings), butter chicken ($24), mango shrimp ($26), chau chau chicken noodles ($21.50), Himalayan eggplant ($21.50). The curries and stirfry came with saffron rice and naan.

The wrapper of the steamed dumpling was thick and sticky, encasing a well-spiced and juicy pork filling. The creamy dip was mild and complemented with the spices in the seasoning.

We dove into the mains, and there were two clear favourites: the chicken chau chau noodles and eggplant stir-fry. The soy flavour in the chau chau noodles was mouthwatering and the fragrance of the wok hei was intoxicating. The only thing better was the caramelized smokiness in the tender chunks of chicken. I would get the noodles again.

L doesn’t even like eggplant, and he loved the stir-fry. While the eggplant was soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, the green peppers and onions were nice and crunchy, sticky from the rich tomatoey sauce. Cooked eggplant is unfortunately, an unphotogenic subject, but for what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in taste. Whoever was operating the grill is a wok hei master.

The mango shrimp wasn’t too sweet and mild in flavour. I enjoyed dunking the light, crisp naan to soak up all the sauce. The butter chicken had a good kick as we requested a medium spice level.

L and I agreed we must come by the Himalayan more often to eat. The next time we come, I want to try one of the tomato-based curries over the cream curries, and we will order the noodles and eggplant again. Thanks for the fun company, Sirski and Quebecois. It was good to hang out again.

Goro and Gun – Happy hour

Divine Offering and I met after work to grab a drink. She picked Goro and Gun, as their happy hour is too good to resist. From 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., you can enjoy snacks for a mere five dollars and savour bowls of ramen or hefty sushi rolls priced at just ten bucks. Cocktails and the house sake are priced at $7, while beers are available for just six dollars. For this post, let’s listen to “Juice” by Lizzo.

I tried a plum spritz ($7), a big wine goblet full of clinking ice, plum liquor, sparkling sake, and soda. It didn’t taste boozy, but I heard my voice getting louder as I drank. Divine Offering mentioned that the Matcha Heaven cocktail ($7) was refreshing, similar to lemonade; though she couldn’t taste the alcohol, she could feel it. While sipping her drink, she nibbled on a steamed pork bun ($5).

I wasn’t planning on eating, but the food from the kitchen looked so appetizing. I ordered a dynamite roll ($10), Divine Offering selected a spicy salmon roll ($10). For our second round of drinks, I picked house sake ($6), and she chose the sake flight ($16).

Our server selected the most popular sakes for the flight: Massumi Shiro, Fukucho Hattanso 50, and Kozaeman Junmai. Divine Offering thought the Massumi was the mildest, the Fukucho was the sweetest, and her favourite, the Kozaeman, was a happy medium between the first two sakes. My sake, the Aizuhoare, was five ounces of easy quaffing. At this price, I would get this sake again.
The sushi rolls were large and adorned with delicate tempura lace. The filling was fresh and generously portioned, and the rice retained its comforting warmth. The spicy salmon roll was a delightful combination of crisp, chilled cucumber and luscious raw salmon. I didn’t find the sauce spicy at all. I admired the log serving plate and the bright garnish of edible flowers.

The tempura in my dynamite roll was twice the size of other sushi restaurants and sweet from the teriyaki sauce. Each piece of sushi was a little more than a mouthful, filling enough to soak up all that sake we drank.

According to Divine Offering, the Houjicha mousse was matcha-like, and the crumble reminded her of white chocolate. The red bean was sweeter than the mousse, and she thought the combination was beautiful.

If you haven’t been, check out Goro and Gun. Throughout our visit, service was excellent, so I wasn’t surprised when, at 6:50 p.m., as we were paying our bill, a customer came in and ordered food and a beer. As the restaurant closes at 7:00 p.m., I was surprised the staff didn’t even look annoyed to be seating him. Divine Offering said on her last visit that the server was extra kind, allowing her friend to order a little more food at the happy hour price for takeout, as she really enjoyed her takoyaki and wanted some more for later. Thanks, Diving Offering, for taking all the pictures, the restaurant recommendation, and for the fun company.

Masala Bhavan – Date night

L’s been working round the clock, so I left him off date night duties last week. However, he was still so busy the following week, so I insisted eating something delicious and not homemade would be good for his health. He amicably agreed, and we picked Masala Bhavan as our destination. For this post, let’s listen to “Party for Two” by Shania Twain.

I tried calling for reservations that evening. When the employee heard I wanted to come in 15-30 minutes, he responded that they do not accept short-term reservations and just to come. When we arrived, I was asked if I had reservations. I said no and I had tried calling about 15 minutes earlier, but I was informed Masala Bhavan doesn’t accept short-term reservations. The server gave me a table near the front of the restaurant. Most of the tables had a reserve sign. The restaurant was packed at 6:30 p.m., with several takeout orders ready to go.

We last ate here about two years ago during COVID-19. L mentioned he recalled enjoying the pakora, and I corrected him, stating that it was the chicken 65 appetizer he preferred. We ordered two Taj Mahal beers ($6.50), chicken 65 ($13.95), mysore masala dosa ($12.95), chicken khorma ($15.95), fish curry ($15.95), plain naan ($2.75) and steamed rice ($3.95).

The chicken 65 was delectable! The meat was so hot and spicy, so tasty it reminded L of an Indian karrage. I encouraged L to eat the chicken with the raw white onion slices, as it provided a clean, refreshing crunch. We loved the mint chutney, it gave the chicken an added punch of flavour and cooled down the heat. The chicken 65 is a must-order.

Next up were the two curries. The korma curry was so mild and subtle. I thought I could taste whipped cream. The chicken was tender and so hot you could see the steam rising from the bowl. Next time, I would try something else, like beef or a regular chicken curry just because I like my curry bolder and with more intense flavours.

The fish curry was everything we wanted – spice, heat and tang. The fish itself was plump and silky. The sauce was creamy and rich. I could feel myself perspiring with each spoonful. We would order this again.

The dosa was fun to eat. The shell was delicate and thin, filled with a smooth potato filling. I enjoyed dipping each crunchy bite into various sauces, each with a distinctively different flavour profile. With the sides, there was so much food we took home most of the curries and most of the naan and rice.

All the dishes tasted like it was cooked to order, as everything arrived fresh and hot. I suspect the servers may be family because they seem to genuinely care whether we liked the food and that we had to wait a bit to get our bill. If you want a cozy meal on a cold day, I recommend Masala Bhavan.

Juice Imports 7th birthday

Juice Imports celebrated their 7th birthday with a special tasting that sold out within 24 hours of posting. I scored the last two tickets ($45) and invited Lululemon as my plus one. Let’s listen to “Birthday” by The Beatles for this post.

Co-owners Mark and Erik selected some ultra-rare wines, including top-tier champagne, for this line-up. First up was Tarlant BAM! ($234.60). I took a sniff and thought the scent was pleasant, not yeasty like some champagnes. The bubbles were soft, and the flavour was bright and fresh. Erik informed us the grapes are the alternative varieties, the unsung grapes of champagne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Arbane.

Next was Dormilona Chardonnay ($55.49), an Australian winery I’m familiar with from Juice Import’s past tastings. I smelled butter. The texture was smooth, and it tasted oaky. Lululemon liked this one so much that she bought a bottle.

Our third wine was from Quebec, Pinard et Filles Nuance de Gris ($56.06).
The scent reminded me of cider. Cloudy in colour, I enjoyed how the flavour woke my tastebuds. Erik commented on the ridiculous amount of texture and the pretty aromatics.

The four wine was from the Czech Republic. I’m familiar with Nestarec, and I’ve drunk lots of their sparkling and rose wine, Danger 380 Volts and Ruz being my favourites. This wine was a red Forks and Knives Red ($41.10). The more I sipped it, the more I enjoyed it, more so for the pretty fragrance.

The fifth wine is from South Africa, Testalonga. The Dark Side Syrah ($54.78) is the first red wine I enjoyed from South Africa, as I found the wines from this country too minerally in the past. I’ve also enjoyed Testalonga’s sparkling wine, which I found at Missy’s This That. Lululemon lived in South Africa and told me she loves their wines. Erik described this wine as elegant but raw, with an aroma that reminded him of some of the country’s native plants.

The fifth wine was Peter Wetzer Kekfrankos ($46.65). The wine smelled sweet but wasn’t, more like a savoury black plum. I’m a fan of Peter Wetzer’s wines, and this one was right up my alley. I asked Erik why wines don’t taste like they smell. He pointed to temperature and environment and sense of smell versus taste. The temperature in your mouth differs from the room temperature in which you smell the wine. This climate difference can affect the volatilization of aromatic compounds in the wine and change the acidity and molecules. Also, when you smell wine, you are using your sense of smell and can detect various aromatic compounds, but when you taste, you are using your sense of taste, which is more basic, like sweet, salty, and bitter.

The last wine was my favourite. Marnes Blance Macvin du Jura ($46.61), from Domaine Des Marnes Blanches. Whenever Erik and Mark pick up a wine from this winery, I buy a bottle. Erik described this wine as “fiery” like brandy, with a grapey flavour and balsamic notes. This wine was sweet, so I planned to pair it with dessert at my next dinner party. Erik recommended pairing this wine with a fruit pavlova or comte cheese. I have a collection of Marnes Blanches wines that need to be drunk soonish, as I’m pretty sure my kitchen cabinet isn’t the ideal storing temperature.

Lululemon is hosting a party and asked Erik to help her select some bottles to pair with her food and theme. I’m excited to attend and I can’t wait to experience another chapter in our wine adventure.

Cheers to Juice Import’s 7th birthday, to their friends and customers who share their passion, and to the countless bottles waiting to be drunk. Here’s to the never-ending journey of savouring life, one sip at a time.

Milpa

On Friday, my friends Kournikova, Betty and Quebecois and I went out for dinner. As per our tradition, we gathered at one of our houses for a drink before heading to the restaurant. Let’s listen to “About Damn Time” by Lizzo for this post.

When we arrived, Milpa was less than half full. We were seated in the back, right by the washrooms, which irritates me because it reminds me of when I get stuck with a bad seat on a plane. Unlike my fancy friends, I always fly economy. Our server was fine when I asked if we could move up to the middle of the room.

I noticed the majority of the crowd was a younger demographic. I can see the draw. Milpa is a lively restaurant on 17th Ave with reasonably priced food. For drinks, Betty selected an apple cucumber spritz ($8), I ordered a Palomina ($15), Kournikova tried the margarita ($15), and Quebecois ordered a gooder – a bottle of Vive la Loire Touraine Rose ($60). My icy cold glass sparkled with salt. I found my cocktail boozy from the Cazadores Blanco, which muted the grapefruit flavour.

I asked Betty to take pictures of the food, as the month earlier, I had gotten Kournikova to take the photos. Betty looked confused as to why I wouldn’t do it and Kournikova explained it was because I take horrible shots. It didn’t hurt when she said it because she’s right.

I was curious about the menu, as Kournikova told me her celiac hubby approved of the food. Our server guided us through the menu and ensured we didn’t over-order. We picked the coconut ceviche ($15), queso fundido ($17), el pastor ($45), pulpo al chentextle ($30) and for dessert, we requested all three cakes.

I thought there was seafood in the coconut ceviche, but after poking around, I realized it was vegetarian. The ceviche was cold and milky, and a touch sweet. I liked the tang from the pomegranate and the smooth bits of taro. Betty mentioned the coconut tasted clean and soft. She said she likes ordering dishes that she doesn’t make at home. The corn and plantain chips were delicious, fresh and crunchy.

I loved the queso fundido. The snow-white cheese was rich and melty, while the mushrooms were meaty morsels. The corn tortillas were warm and fragrant, with a nutty aftertaste. I liked how it was warm and heavy, so smooth to the touch it felt luxurious. I would order the queso fundido again.

The octopus was tasty, but it isn’t a must order. I did like the variation on the plate, from the pureed beans, grilled corn and spicy jalapenos.

Milpa nailed the fun factor in the el pastor. The pork was shaped like a mini roasted spit, which we carved ourselves. The pineapple was still warm and sweet. The flour tortillas were soft and pliable. We all agreed the el pastor was the winning dish of the night.

Kournikova complimented Quebecoise’s selection of wine, which she thought held up to the pork. Quebecoise retorted she always picks French rose, as it’s not usually sweet and goes well with spicy food. She also noted it was a reasonable price for a bottle at a restaurant.

We tried all the desserts and enjoyed them except for the vegan cake, which was good but couldn’t compete with chocolate, caramel and whipped cream.

After we paid our bill, our server brought us a little shooter of slushy deliciousness and Betty, our designated driver, a candy bar. We cackled and howled at this unexpected treat and, after toasting, merrily went back home. I plan to return with L in tow for more el pastor and non-vegan desserts.

Avitus Wine Bar

I’ve been meaning to check out Avitus Wine Bar for months. As most of my close girlfriends live blocks away from me, it just makes sense for them to come over or for me to visit them. However, since Jaime was in town, it would be fun to try something new. For this post, let’s listen to “Mr. Wendal” by Arrested Development.

I knew Jaime would love this place as it’s everything she adores. The wine bar is quaint, armed with charming employees with quirky personalities. She’s all over that stuff. There’s a library of wine and lots of little details that chicks love, like mirrors and ornaments that remind me of signs that say “Live, Love!” Speaking of ladies, plenty are there, letting loose and getting louder with each sip. I don’t hang out in Marda Loop, so I wasn’t used to the crowd, a mostly blonde demographic, ranging from 30-50 years old. They looked motherly in appearance but with catty eyes and claws out.

Our server offered to pour us as many samples as needed until we found a glass we loved. I instantly got flashbacks of Bar Vonderfels, where I first got my wine hard-on. We sampled some wines and decided on a Rose ($15). Jaime described this wine as very French, light and summery with the perfect dryness.

The owner created a cheese plate for us: Camembert ($8), Comte ($12), Ossau Iraty ($14), and Cherry and Calvados Chutney ($3). Our basket of carbs contained sourdough bread, baguette and zatar crackers. The cracker was my favourite, as I liked the snappy texture and salty seasoning.

I enjoyed the cherry chutney with the Comte cheese and camembert, and the ossau iraty just by itself. Of all the cheeses, I enjoyed the ossau iraty the most. Thinly sliced thinly, the flavour was unique and smoky. I would order this cheese again.

Avitar is a lovely addition to the SW quadrant of the city. I enjoyed our experience so much that I texted my girlfriends to set up a girl’s night. To be continued.

Bar Chouette Round Two

Jaime was in town! I took her to Bar Chouette because she’s a fan of Duncan Ly’s restaurants, and I wanted a place with a nice vibe. This is my second time at this restaurant. My experience this time was even better, likely because I took the advice of our server, Abby. Let’s listen to “And the Living Is Easy” by Guts for this post.

I knew Abby was a superstar because the last time I was there, Duncan noted that Abby was our server and said with confidence that we would be in good hands. She has phenomenal taste. I hemmed and hawed over which cocktail to order and let Abby pick for me. She selected her favourite, the Rosemary Brown Butter Old Fashioned ($17). Jaime ordered a glass of lambrusco (Fattoria Morette, $14).

Jaime fawned over the heavy glassware and blue and grey hues colours of the plates. I was impressed with the beautiful transparent brick of ice and the buttery texture of the bourbon. I don’t usually enjoy hard alcohol, but this cocktail was smooth. The crunchy praline tuile was sweet and peanutty, perfect for a stiff drink. When Abby came around again, we ordered her food recommendations.

This was my second time eating the Grilled Maitake ($18), even better than my first time. I was facing the kitchen this time and saw a chef grilling the mushrooms over a charcoal contraption. The smell of the smoke was heavenly. The hot butter juiced the entire mushroom, and the onion’s sweet and sour crunch just elevated each bite. Visually stunning. I loved how this dish was so rich yet delicate.

The Roasted Potato Gnocchi ($21) was another winner, so freaking fantastic that I smiled as I slowly chewed each bite. The gnocchi was imprinted with dark grill marks, hot little pockets of pleasure. I have never tasted better asparagus, so ripe with flavour. Each gnocchi was heavily blanketed in creamy parmesan cheese shavings. The chanterelles just added a delectable earthy dimension. I would order this again.

Next up was the Barbeque Carrots ($9). I read an online Google review where a fool questioned the value of a nine-dollar carrot. First, it’s carrots, not a singular carrot. Second, this is a labour-intensive dish, which takes five hours to prepare. The fresh dill and sweet crunch of the carrot were sublime. The toasty bread soaked up the sauce’s flavour and reminded me of White Spot triple O sauce, which doesn’t sound like a compliment, but coming from me, it is. I would order everything we tried again.

Abby recommended an Italian white wine for me (’20 Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino Umbria, $13), and it was when I took a sip, I knew she was the best server in Calgary. I hope she stays at Bar Chouette long because I got Bar Vonderfels’ feelings. What a lovely wine! I could quaff this all night long, and at thirteen bucks a glass, I could!
At the end of the night, Duncan popped into the restaurant and came over to say hello. I told him his chefs nailed the food, and everything tasted like he cooked it. I joked to him that he only needs a hologram of him moving around the kitchen because his chefs have his back, and no one would be the wiser.
Another chef told me Duncan is a fantastic mentor and taught him much. I can tell this is still true. Before, when he wasn’t in the kitchen at Foreign Concept, I could always count on a stellar meal. This still holds at Bar Chouette. For me, the most important thing in a restaurant is consistency, and the only places in Calgary I’ve found are Sukiyaki House, Klein and Harris, Cassis, and before Bar Chouette, Foreign Concept. There are more restaurants, I’m sure, but I tend to stick to what I know. Hitting the Sauce gives Bar Chouette two phat thumbs up, making it on my list of favourite restaurants in Calgary.

+15 Eats – Downtown Calgary

This blog posting will be a big photo dump of lunches from work. I’m distracted when eating lunch versus dinner, so my memory of each item could be more descriptive. For this post, let’s listen to “Work Bitch” by Britney Spears.

For last month’s corporate lunch, Grassy ordered from Alumni Sandwiches. He knows the brother-in-law of the owner or some connection like that. He recommended the Turkey Club ($15.75), which I ordered, and a Wild Ginger Kombucha ($6).

The sandwich was hefty, but it wasn’t overly bready despite its appearance. I enjoyed the delicate crispness of the lettuce ribbons and that the dominant flavour wasn’t mayonnaise or dressing but the taste of good quality bacon, fresh turkey and avocado. Everyone in the office was impressed with the food quality. Office Guardian moaned when she took a bite of Gochu Pork ($15.25), exclaiming the pork just burst with flavour.

Our newest social committee member, Herbivore, ordered from Hula Poke in August. I ordered a Salmon Cali Veg ($15) and a Komboucha ($5). The ginger miso dressing lightly coated the small pieces of raw salmon and kelp noodles. The noodles were crunchy, reminding me a little of cellophane. I enjoyed my salad, though next time, I would add more kale, which was tastier than the kelp noodles.

The co-op students in our office got me hooked on Hannki, a Korean fast-food kiosk at Bow Valley Square. I usually get the Chee-Bop ($11, Regular) because the fried chicken hits right. I love the spicy, creamy sauce and the crunchy pieces of chicken. Each bowl has rice, egg, lettuce and two fried dumplings. It’s hot, quick and cheap and makes for a satisfying meal. The kimchi ($2.75) is freshly made and crunchy, so I usually add an order to my order.

I order a lot from Wise and Wright, which I find more filling and healthier than Hannki. I’ve ordered the Jamaican Me Crazy ($13.75), Gone Fishin ($13.75), Sirloin ($13.75), and the Soul Bowl ($13.50). My favourite is the Jamaican, followed by the Soul Bowl, then the Gone Fishin Bowl.

The chicken dish is the most flavourful, from the spices and heat of the sauce. Each bowl has buttery slices of avocado, crunchy purple cabbage and spicy aioli. The salmon in the Gone Fishin was nice and soft, but I found the fragrance a little fishy.

The beauty of this Soul Bowl was popping the warm, bright orange yolk all over the rice. The kimchi gave this bowl much-needed flavour, as I found the brown rice, gochujang sauce and wild ahi poke tuna subtle in flavour. I find the bowls filling and satisfying, from the heartiness of the black beans, whole grains and a nice assortment of dense vegetables. I’m also a fan that I can see the nutritional information of each menu item on Wise and Wright’s menu, showing most bowls are under 600 calories.

The downtown core has changed so much since 2019. The +15 is bustling with office workers, and new businesses are popping up. What a change from the previous three years due to COVID-related issues. Here’s hoping we continue to an upward spiral of health and prosperity.

Lonely Mouth #Round Two

I didn’t want to cook on Sunday, so I informed L that his old broad was taking him out for dinner. I felt like Japanese, but Sukiyaki House is closed on Sunday. Where else could we go? I remembered seeing Miss Foodie post about a memorable meal at Lonely Mouth, so I booked a last-minute reservation. For this post, let’s listen to “Signs” by Snoop Dog.

We arrived and were ushered into a cozy corner nook on the patio. We received hot towels to freshen up our hands and heard a rundown on the two-course meal featuring Alberta ingredients. For food, I selected the Bluefin Tuna Tartare ($19), Chicken Wings with Yuzu Ranch ($18), Sashimi Platter ($28), Brant Lake Wagyu Beef Tataki and Table Corn Udon ($35).

L saw Toki ($16) highball on the menu and noted it had Suntory Toki whiskey. I read the drink also contained super-carbonated soda and lemon twist and immediately followed suit. Delish! The bubbles were tiny, and the combination of the lemon and whiskey was refreshing. I would get this again.

First up was the beef tataki. I scooped up a thin, tender slice of wagyu beef, acidic and dripping in azuki and marrow vinaigrette, and ate it in one bite with the shredded crunchy potatoes and fuji apple.

I loved the snappy udon crackers, salty with an umami that reminded me of freshly fried shrimp chips. The bluefin tuna was clean tasting and salty, making it the ultimate bar food when paired with a strongly made cocktail.

In the past I was impressed with the sashimi platter, but this time around I thought the fish was just alright. The tuna was fishy and I found the other pieces of seafood a little too warm for my preference. I wouldn’t get this again. However, the pacing of each dish was perfect. We had enough time in between courses to relish in the memory of what we just ate. Their HR manager is doing a great job. The service was excellent, from the hostess to the various servers interacting with us throughout the night.

I was pleasantly surprised with the fried chicken. I only ordered this dish because I previously saw Miss Foodie rave about the wings. While it’s not an easy subject to photograph, the dish’s beauty is how it tastes. The ultra-light batter was crispy and foamy, melting in your mouth. The yuzu dipping sauce was deadly, thick, fragrant and creamy, adding another dimension of bright flavour. The meat itself was plump and white, completely unblemished.

This was my first time trying Lonely Mouth’s homemade udon and honestly, I don’t remember the noodles. All I can remember is the hot and crispy Taber corn tempura. The corn was creamy and barely cooked, so all you could taste was the sweet milkiness of the kernels. Just stunning.

L and I left impressed with the quality of the dishes and the level of service. Lonely Mouth knocked it out of the park. Hitting the Sauce gives this 17th Ave gem two phat thumbs up.

Bar Chouette

On Thursday, I had plans to meet 47, Lululemon and Kournikova at Bar Chouette. I’ve been dying to check out this new restaurant because Duncan Ly owns it, and if you live in Calgary, you know he’s one of the city’s GOATs. For this post, let’s listen to “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston.

The restaurant space is sleek and modern, with a spacious patio. Lululemon couldn’t get away from work, so it was just the three of us. Forty-seven ordered the Violette Haze ($15), and I ordered a bottle of Milan Nesterac Forks and Knives ($90) to share with the table. I think Kournikova ordered the Spice & Citrus ($18), but I’m unsure as I lost the receipt.

I tried a sip of the Violette Haze, and it was so tasty I will order it the next time I visit. Forty-seven had to go after one drink, so Kournikova and I stayed for dinner. We mulled over the menu and decided on the Smoked Trout Paté ($16), Cured Scallops ($21), Grilled Char Siu Squid ($20) and the Grilled Maitake ($18). Kournikova also ordered us another glass of white wine.

The smoked trout came with vinegary nori chips. I liked the addition of the fresh dill and the crunch from sour pickles. The presentation was just gorgeous. Kournikova took the pictures below, because I was struggling more than usual.

The cured scallops came with ramp vinegar gel, cucumber and buttermilk. This was a delightful bite to begin our meal. The scallops were cool and silky with no fishy aftertaste.

The grilled squid was meticulously stacked, so stunningly plated it deserves two photos. The squid was perfectly cooked, reminding me of James Waters from Klein and Harris, another chef who nails seafood in Calgary.

Kournikova detected five spices in the marinade, which reminded her of Chinese-style duck. The squid was cooked perfectly, buttery smooth and sweet from the mango chutney. While the squid was the best-looking dish, the mushrooms were the best-tasting.

Our favourite dish was the grilled maitake with marmite butter. Kournikova enjoyed the smoky flavour and the umami. I loved the sweet and sour element of the crunchy onions and the texture of the mushrooms.

The world’s a better place with Duncan Ly’s restaurant, and I’m happy to frequent this charming spot in the Beltline. Thanks, Kournikova, for treating me out to try Duncan’s new restaurant.

DJ Market and Italian Centre

Lululemon and her fiancé Books took me along on a Saturday shopping trip, as she’s been wanting me to check out DJ’s Market. When they picked me up, Lululemon had an iced Starbucks coffee for me to enjoy, which psyched me even more for this trip. Let’s listen to “August” by Taylor Swift for this post.

Lululemon is a vegetarian, so getting the freshest vegetables and fruits is important. She swears that not only does DJ Market have the largest selection of local and BC produce, but it is also cheap.

I was in awe when I walked in. There are two fridges full of fancy mushrooms, Hutterite chicken and eggs, sausages, and stands of fresh BC fruit. On the day we visited, I grabbed the sweetest bags of carrots ($3.99), English peas ($7.99), Hutterite chicken thighs ($8) and a flat of eggs ($9). Lululemon picked up mini cucumbers and beans for pickling, dill, a box of blueberries and bags of fruit.

Lululemon and I continued our journey to the Italian Centre. I followed her around the store and copied whatever she did. We waited in line for the cheese and olives. I stood by the aisle to wait for my turn, out of the way of other customers, while Lululemon went to the pasta aisle. I saw a man look directly at me and strode over to me. I immediately freaked out, thinking he was coming my way to yell at me. I ran over to the counter, closer to other customers. He pivoted, approached me, and disarmed me with one sentence: “Do you like olives?” I responded in the affirmative and tried his olive sample. Oh my gosh – this place truly is a paradise. Where else do you have people offering such delicious treats?

When it was our turn at the deli, we sampled various kinds of cheese, and I bought Appenzeller Swiss Medium ($13.31), Ubriaco Rosso Piave ($12.45) and Full Monty Olives ($8.95). I’m a faithful and diehard Peasant Cheese fan, but the employees at the Italian Centre know their stuff, have the hugest selection, and the prices are unbeatable.

I also bought a frozen meat lasagna ($50), packages of my new favourite dried pasta, Risa ($2.19) and an Arracini ($8.50) to go. The arancini was crunchy and soft and mealy on the inside. The tomato sauce was bright and thick, with a vibrant zing.

The next day, my in-laws and L raved about the cheeses and olives I bought back. The eggs and fresh chicken are the best I’ve bought in Calgary. I loved the produce so much that I dragged L to DJ’s Market two weeks later. The employees came around and greeted me, while the female owner recognized me and welcomed me back. When I told her she had the best produce and prices in town, she took a deep breath and thanked me, saying it meant a lot because she had just had some rude customers yell at her that the prices were too high and as a result, they were never coming back. She said they work so hard to keep the prices down, but she can’t prevent the rising cost of produce. I responded that no place sells produce fresher or cheaper than DJ Market, so good riddance to them.

Thanks, Lululemon, for opening my eyes to see the light. I’m now the Italian Centre and DJ Market’s number 1 fan! Looking forward to the next food adventure with you.

James Hook

I didn’t want a lobster roll from just anywhere, so I waited for the opportunity to go somewhere known specifically for their crustaceans. We packed our bags, and before leaving for the airport, we dropped by James Hook. For this post, let’s listen to “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash.

We arrived half an hour after James Hook opened, so it was still quiet. I told L to grab a table in the shade while I walked up to the food truck to order two large Lobster Rolls w/butter ($38.99), Sauvignon Blanc ($12) and a James Hook Summer Wheat Ale ($9).

I sipped on my wine and watched an older man sit quietly in the corner, carefully dissecting an entire lobster. His face was stern, and he never looked up, laser-focused on extracting all the meat from the shells. I saw an Asian dude around my age eating a small lobster roll and clam chowder. His back was turned to me so that I couldn’t read his expression. A couple of friends ordered several items and had to keep going to the food truck for napkins and hand sanitizer. After I was done spying and satisfied that we had hit the jackpot of tourist attractions, our food was ready.

Unlike all the other customers who had to wait at the truck, the employee brought out our food. I think this was because I tipped, and no one was waiting in line when our food was ready. I handed L his lobster roll and could tell it was heavier than mine. I complained bitterly, and without a moment’s hesitation, he switched our rolls. I felt myself swooning from his chivalry. We both took a second to admire our lobster rolls, piled so high that we had to cradle the toasted roll in the cardboard and foil when we ate. Otherwise, the meat would tumble off.

I couldn’t believe how much lobster tail and claws were in my sandwich. I poured the hot butter over the top of the bun, but there was so much that I ended up dipping the chunks of meat as the butter couldn’t make its way down to the bottom. The lobster was warm, light and clean. The red and white meat was succulent and tender, with a pleasant toothsome crunch to it. L and I have never eaten so much seafood in one sitting. I liked how all you could taste was the natural sweetness of the juicy lobster rather than seasoning or condiments.

The Canadian dollar is weak, so the two rolls and drinks cost me about $140 after the conversion. However, it was well worth it since we live in the prairies. It was an experience we couldn’t get elsewhere. Hitting the Sauce gives James Hook two phat claws up.

Row 34 and Oleana

On our second last day, we checked out the Institute of Contemporary Art. L scoped out the area and suggested Row 34 for lunch. Before I left for this trip, my colleague Happy recommended Row 34, so I was up for it. I also knew there was a variety of craft beers for L to choose from.

The restaurant has high ceilings and a lofty warehouse vibe I noticed all the servers were on top of their game, professional and always posed to elevate customers’ experience. The weather on this particular day was awful, so we sat in a corner, watching the sheets of rain pour down through the window.

We weren’t too hungry and wanted something light to tie us over until dinner. I knew mussels weren’t in season, but I still ordered the Lager Steamed Mussels ($18). L wanted New England Clam Chowder ($13). Our server picked a crisp white wine (Domaine de la Ferrandière, $14) to go with my mussels, and L ordered Rally ($10), a session IPA.

My mussels were small and ordinary. The sourdough bread was too hard to eat, but I enjoyed L’s cornbread, which arrived in a big cast-iron pan. Oh boy, the bread was light and sweet, fluffy and soaked in sweet maple butter. The portion was so large that L could only eat half, so I gobbled up the remainder. L thought the clam chowder was even better than Bostonia Public House.

After the rain subsided, we walked to the Institute of Contemporary Art. When L got our tickets, the employee mentioned our admission was five dollars less because two exhibitions were closed. We took the elevator to the fourth floor and spent half an hour analyzing Simone Leigh’s sculptures. I was impressed with sheer enormity and the deep impression each piece imprinted on me. Once we were done, L said that was it and it was time to go. Unconvinced, I went back downstairs and double-checked it was just the Simone Leigh exhibition. The employee nodded and mentioned that’s why they gave us a discount, and typically, there is a watershed tour, but due to the rain, it was cancelled. The employee next to her snickered and looked delighted in my disappointment. L and I checked out some more museums and historical sites before our last dinner in Boston.

David, the friendly regular, recommended Oleana, as did my restaurant informer, Bottleneek. I couldn’t get reservations beforehand, so we went right when it opened and caught a table outside. Let’s listen to “Aman Avcı Vurma Beni” by Kemal Tanriverdi for this post.

We sat on the colourful outdoor patio amid leafy plants and a spouting water fountain. Two musicians played their instruments all evening, gently plucking away on their strings. Our young server provided us with an overview of the menu and, when asked, gave us his recommendations. I ordered a glass of white wine (Malagousia Blend, Theopetra Estate, Meteora, Thessaly, Greece, $17) while L selected a local beer (Lamplighter Brewing Co, Cambridge, MA, $14).

The Za’atar Bread ($11) was a ten out of ten. The bread is miraculous. Soft, light and spongy, the bread was salty from the Moroccan spices and walnut muhammara and fresh from the ribbons of cucumber and mint. I would get this again.

The Fatteh ($15) reminded me of a savoury dessert. I relished the fatty crunch of the pastry sheet and the soft curried cauliflower. The caramelized onions, pine nuts and yogurt made this dish just zing with intensity. The fatteh is another winner.

I read several reviews raving about the Spinach Falafel ($15), so I had to order it. We were instructed to roll each falafel with the flatbread and greens. I didn’t follow our server’s instructions, and instead, I broke apart the crunchy falafel into pieces, mixing the tahini, sour pickles, pine nuts and tzatziki. The spinach leaves were thick and wild looking.

Each dish came out leisurely, so we could take our time and savoured each dish. I ordered a non-alcoholic drink, the Rose Lemonade ($7), because the first glass of wine was enough for me in the heat. Our server noticed my lemonade was missing the rose petals, so he returned to the kitchen to remake another one. It’s this level of detail and attention from a server that elevates a great experience into a memorable one.

I was most curious about the Lamb & Eggplant Moussaka ($17). The lamb was rich and saucy, with a touch of sweetness. The mint and beet chips added a complimentary brightness to the mellow, soft flavours of the potato and eggplant. I would have preferred if the eggplant was not as chewy, but that’s my preference.

Our server highly recommended the Sultan’s Delight ($18), a dish he eats on every shift. I barely had to chew because the braised beef was so tender. I loved flaking the layers of beef off and swirling it in the puree. Eating the meat and eggplant puree in one bite was rich, sweet and smoky. The crowning glory was the single basil leaf that left an intense floral taste. We both agreed this was the winning dish of the night.

The chefs behind the food hit the nail with presentation and most importantly, the texture and flavour combinations. L noted all the ingredient went exceptionally well together. Paired with excellent service and serene back drop, this restaurant is a winner in my books. I can see why this restaurant is booked well in advance. L announced this was the best meal we had in Boston. Hitting the Sauce gives Oleana two fat thumbs up.

Neptune Oyster – Part Two

I booked our second tour, Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston. While I’m an avid reader, when exploring a new city, I prefer the experience of being guided to major historical points. It also helped that our guide, Drew just finished his degree from the Boston Fine Arts Theatre Arts. His flair for drama enriched the stories he recounted on our tour. For this post, let’s listen to “Freedom 90′” by George Michael. 

The significant points of interest for me were the Old South Meeting House, where the famous Boston Tea Party began and the Old State House, where the speeches sparked the rebellious acts of defiance. Drew walked us over to Little Italy, where we passed Paul Revere House, the oldest building in Boston, and then concluded the tour with a patriotic speech overlooking Bunker Hill. 

At around 1:00 p.m., I dragged my beloved to Neptune Oyster, but the line was so long that we wandered over to a pub for a beer and fries. By the time we returned, around 2:15 p.m., the line was shorter. We waited about 40 minutes, and in that time, I regaled the customers in front and behind me of the delicious gloriousness that awaited them at Neptune Oyster. I could tell that waiting in line exhausted L, as he was still tired from the day before, and my hyping up crowds under the scorching sun didn’t help.

When we received our drinks, there were some empty seats around us. The mood changes when it’s not jam-packed with customers. Employees clustered around regulars and chatted with them about their day. An employee slipped out of the kitchen and sat at the bar to enjoy a meal. There’s nothing more comforting in my eyes than an employee taking a moment to eat a meal at their workplace. 

I tried L’s beer, which was the best pint on the trip. I enjoyed the tiny bubbles and clean flavour profile ($11). I tried the rose ($14) from the day before, as our server recognized me and remembered that “everyone was drinking that rose that day.”

I ordered four of the Cherrystone clams ($2.90) while encouraging L to try the oysters ($3-3.50). Ah, the clams were just as good as yesterday, salty, sweet and tasting of the ocean. The plump meat was cold with a satisfying chew to it. L noted Neptune’s oysters were far better than the Bostonia Public House. 

Next, we supped on Bluefin Tuna ($21). The tuna was buttery and smooth, but it was the addition of the crunchy seeds and salt made the crudo pop. I liked the dollop of olive oil and nutty flavour from the sunflowers. 

We ordered the Neptune Johnnycake ($19); I knew immediately he would like it. L has a sweet tooth, and nothing makes him happier than dessert. Holy smokes, this is a winning dish. 

We sat silently, slowly picking away the cake, enjoying the sweet, savoury flavours. The contrast between the honey butter, creamy smoked fish puree and sturgeon caviar was unusual and delicious. L raved that this was the best dish he’s eaten on the trip. He loved the crispy texture and the unique flavour combination. 

For dessert, I ordered Fried Clams ($28). I don’t think Neptune, the godly chef from the previous day, cooked this order of clams. It might have been his apprentice because while it was good, it wasn’t out of this world like it was when I first tried it. The difference was that the clams weren’t as fat, and the batter was crisper, so it didn’t crumble and melt in my mouth like the last time. The clam belly was firmer, more like a standard fried oyster than a jiggly gift from the sea.

As my new friends from the lineup left the restaurant, they came to thank me for my recommendations. Perhaps I missed my true calling as a hype person for rap music. L agreed with me that Neptune is worth the lengthy lineup. I tried to pay for the meal, but L swiped my hand away and told me to quit it. Thank you, L, for humouring me and taking me out one last time at Neptune Oyster. Hitting the Sauce gives Neptune Oyster two phat thumbs up. 

Peach Farm

I booked a Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour when L returned to the hotel. I knew this would be a silly excursion, but I was curious about the small cemeteries scattered throughout the downtown core. For this post, let’s listen to “Smokin” by Boston.

The tour was corny, and the stories were grossly exaggerated (and historically inaccurate). Still, we had fun jumping on and off the bus and stopping by the Granary Burying Ground and King’s Chapel Burying Ground. Walking through the grounds, we learned a little about the American patriots who died in the battle of Bunker Hill. We stopped by the graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. The latter three were signers of the Declaration of Independence. The tour would have been more fun in October, with a cooler temperature and the smell of autumn in the air. 

As it was late when we finished our tour, I suggested we try Peach Farm, located in Chinatown. All the employees were friendly, welcoming and attentive. We ordered Lobster with Green Scallion and Ginger ($60), Clams in Black Bean Sauce ($23), Shrimp Chowmein ($16), Steamed Rice ($2) and two beers ($12).

The clams arrived quickly. I liked eating the saucy clams with steamed rice, as the simplicity of hot white rice accents the meatiness of the clams and the saltiness of the black bean sauce. I enjoyed the clams but was annoyed to find a bit of sand in a couple, as the grating texture was off-putting. 

The lobster was so hot the shells blistered my fingers. The meat popped out easily from its red claws. The lobster meat was fresh tasting, with a pleasing toothsome crunch. The ginger and scallion sauce was buttery, luscious, and so messy our server dropped off some extra napkins. I couldn’t help but think of my family when I ate my lobster, as my mom always ordered both king crab and lobster at our monthly dinners. Back then, the rationale for ordering such extravagant seafood dishes was simply because we were out. My mother, Boss Lady, has an extreme personality. For her, it’s go big or don’t go out at all. 

I was content with supping on the clams and lobster with rice, but L was channeling Boss Lady and wanted another dish. I found the chow mein lacklustre. The shrimp was rubbery and tasteless. The sauce itself was void of seasoning or wok hey. This dish was crying out for some MSG! I felt like David, the friendly regular from Neptune Oyster, in that I wanted to tell L that I make a better chow mein at home. 

Overall, I enjoyed my meal. Service was warm and sincere, which made up for the chow mein. Judging from the crowd, Peach Farm is a popular restaurant for everyone, from families, dates, regulars to tourists. I left stuffed and not crabby, as I was full of lobster.

Neptune Oyster

On Sunday, L was gone for the entire day. I originally planned to visit Martha’s Vineyard but didn’t want to be stuck on a tour bus for hours, so instead, I opted to check out the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Before L left, he asked me to please be aware of my surroundings. I told him honestly that I couldn’t promise him that, but not to worry as I planned to Uber everywhere. Let’s listen to “West End Girls” by the Pet Shop Boys. 

The Gardner Museum was something special. I walked through the entrance garden through rooms filled with international treasures. I didn’t feel like I was in a museum but a very wealthy woman’s house. I preferred how there were no descriptions in the Gardner Museum, as I realized reading takes away from the visual experience. I spent about two hours wandering through the halls and floors because every time there were loud children, I would run out to enjoy the serenity in the quieter rooms, then return when I was alone again.

My next stop was the Museum of Fine Arts. I found this museum too large to absorb in one afternoon. The setup confused me as you would enter a hallway and go through a series of doors, then at the end, turn to the left or right to repeat the experience. I spent most of my time admiring the Art of Ancient Greece, Rome, the Byzantine Empire, Dutch and Flemish Art, and Masterpieces of Egyptian Sculpture from the Pyramid Age. 

At around 2:30 p.m., I decided to check out Neptune Oyster. The wait was only half an hour, as there’s a sweet spot after lunch and before dinner when it’s less busy. The hostess was welcoming and told me I was lucky to sit at the bar as a friendly regular, and two employees were seated to my left. To my right were two women who looked annoyed to be next to me, even though they wanted to sit at the bar. 

I asked my server to recommend a white wine to pair with oysters, and she suggested the Muscat ($13). I ordered four medium-sized oysters, a Littleneck and a Cherrystone clam. I looked around to figure out what to order next, but I arrived at a lull and could only see plates of oysters and lobster rolls. 

The friendly regular and the two employees were drinking glasses of rose. I could tell by watching them that the wine tasted better than mine. Their carefree smiles glowed as they gulped down the pink liquid. The server would continuously fill up their glasses from what appeared to be a bottomless bottle. For my next glass, I asked to drink what they were drinking, and it was a far superior wine ($14).

I asked the friendly regular next to me what he recommended. David paused dramatically and then went into a full-on gourmet speech, just like David Chang and Anthony Bourdain in the Netflix food documentaries. It may be an American thing, but they are much more passionate when speaking. 

 I asked David’s opinion on Neptune’s lobster rolls, and he said a lobster roll is a lobster roll; it’s simply lobster and bread. He and his son can make a fantastic one at home, so when he comes to Neptune’s, he’s looking for something different. I quizzed him about the fried clams, and he said the fried clams are great, but he can get excellent fried clams right in his neighbourhood. Exasperated, I explained that I was only around for a few days and couldn’t make lobster rolls at home, and there wasn’t a famous clam place where I lived. He pondered a little and offered me a sample of his soft-shell crab ($24), which I found delicate.

The oysters ($2.90-$3.50) were pristine and immaculately shucked. However, it was the clams that blew me away. The Littleneck was sweet and tender, while the Cherrystone was salty with a bouncy chew, with a texture between a squid and scallop. 

I told David that the clams were far superior than I could get in Vancouver. He quoted Barack Obama’s speech on how Boston is one of America’s iconic and world’s finest cities. Americans are patriotic. I’ve never referenced our prime ministers except to mention Trudeau wears excellently tailored suits. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, that’s the sound his jacket and pants make as he walks by. 

I showed David my list of to-go places, and he told me not to bother with Toro. He’s never heard of Yankee Lobster; James Hook is good, but again, not as good as he can make it (with browned butter), and Oleana in Cambridge is worth the trek. He recommended Peach Farm and has tried the king crab. 

I chose the Fried Clams ($28), and oh my goodness, the chef must be the god of the sea, Neptune himself, because never have I ever eaten such perfectly cooked clams. The clams were giant, like a cluster of oysters stuck together like enoki tempura. Sublimely cooked, the center of the clam was still milky and eggy. The other parts of the clam were pleasantly chewy. The flavour of the meat was sweet and briny, with a crispy exterior protecting the fat, creamy belly meat. I would get this again.

I also tried a bite of David’s lobster burrata ($43). This dish reminded me of the creations I tried at Le Pappilion in Montreal. The herby fragrance from the basil popped against the subtle flavour of the burrata and sweet lobster meat. The portion was large enough for two. I would get this again as well. 

When I told the two employees beside David I was returning the next day, they suggested the crudo and Johnny Cakes. I pondered out loud if I should return to Neptune for every meal in my remaining time. David shook his head and strongly recommended going to Oleana and sitting on the patio. It turns out he was right. What an introduction to the high quality shellfish in Boston. Unbelievable! And to be continued. 

Bostonia Public House

L had a conference in Boston last week. I came along as flights were cheap, and I’ve always wanted to check out the east coast. We landed late in the evening, dropped our luggage into our hotel, and Ubered out for a bite. The only place I could find a reservation was the Bostonia Public House. For this post, let’s listen to “More Than a Feeling” by Boston.

The pub is a popular spot with families. Even at 8:00 p.m., groups were waiting for a table. One baby was wailing across the room, but it didn’t bother us. The Bostonia Public House is not a place you come to for a hot date; you come here if you have kids but still want a tasty meal.

L ordered a beer, and I opted for a spicy Bloody Mary ($11), different from my beloved Canadian drink, the Caesar. The tomato mixture was slightly bitter and cloudy with what I assumed was pulp. 

We ordered a dozen of the Island Creek Oysters ($36). Our oysters came first, and I noticed each one was mangled. The oyster flesh was jagged and at room temperature. Our server came over just as I ate one and asked how the oysters tasted. I pulled out the oyster from my mouth because I felt something stringy, which turned out to be dark hair. I was shocked and disgusted, then realized it was possibly my hair, as I recognized a tint in the colour. I told our server not to worry and tossed the offensive item to the ground.

Before we left for Boston, everyone told us to try the clam chowder. The BPH Clam Chowder ($13.00) was worth every calorie. Each super thick spoonful contained chunks of meaty clams. We enjoyed the smoky, salty flavour from the bacon and creamy pieces of potatoes. L proclaimed this the best soup he’s ever eaten. I would order this again.

We shared the Lobster Mac & Cheese ($38.00), which was big enough for four people to share as a small side. The noodles were so hot that I burned the roof of my mouth. The tubes were soft and covered in a light cream sauce and thyme. The best part of the dish was the crunchy cheese top layer and the generous chunks of lobster meat. 

When our bill came, our server took our oysters off the bill. L said it was completely unnecessary, and I felt guilty because I still wasn’t sure if the hair was mine. However, the server said not to worry, so we added an extra tip to the gratuity. 

We ended the night walking around the harbour and downtown core. L had a big day on Sunday, so we wanted to take it easy and leave the shenanigans for later in the week. 

Le Vin Papillon

The best restaurant we visited in Montreal was Le Vin Papillon. The overall experience was so magical that I’ll book again the next time I’m in town. For this post, let’s listen to “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Papas & Mamas.

Our server showed us three bottles of white wine. I wanted the second choice, a wine that paired best with the food. Envy and Emerald outvoted me, so we drank a Beaujolais Blanc ($90). The wine was lovely and a little buttery. We ordered less than the recommended number of dishes, six to seven for two people.

We picked our food based on the server’s recommendations, which included: Thon de La Gaspesie Tart ($25), Petoncle Cru ($48), Gnocchi Fritti Anguille ($16), Jambon e le Petite Bourg ($17), Mitake aux Champignons ($26), Belles Tomatoes ($15), Calamars, escarole, tomato ($19) and Tarte Clafoutis aux Ceris ($16).

The gnocchi fritti anguille was a knockout. Each square was black and blistered, puffed up like a pillow. The eel puree was unique. I could taste a hint of charcoal smoke, and the flavour reminded me of creamy smoked salmon. I would order this again.

The Jambon e le Petite Bourg ($17) was a plateful of thin slices of ham and shaved layers of smooth cheese. This dish was all about quality and simplicity.

I was in love with the big Boston scallops, Petoncle Cru. The texture was creamy and silky and popped from the fresh basil and fat salt flakes. What made this dish shine was the sweetness of the scallops and the sensation of the chilled shellfish sliding into my mouth. I liked how the basil flavour didn’t overpower the natural flavour of the scallops.

Emerald said bluefin tuna was a fun take on beef tartare, though I found the endive leaves overly bitter. I knew we shouldn’t have gotten this dish because our server looked disappointed in our choice when we ordered it. Don’t get me wrong, the tuna was great, it wasn’t a knockout like the other dishes.

The calamars arrived on a metal skewer, like a kebob. The squid was smooth and slippery, with a crunchy, el dente bite. The clean flavour from the green butter was phenomenal. The texture of the squid surpassed what I ate in Greece. I appreciated this dish because it’s so rare that I get to eat squid prepared so well.

Emerald, Envy and I were all over the mushrooms. Crunchy crevices, feathery light, each bite was a delight. Envy said everything was super simple but fantastic.

Envy mentioned the wine paired well with the tomatoes. Like our experience at Lapin, the tomato flavour was pronounced. I told my friends this must have come from the best tomatoes in the world. What a fantastic sauce. Emerald noted there was the right amount of seasoning in all the food. We would get the tomatoes again.

Envy ranked her top three dishes: tomatoes, scallop, gnocchi, and mushrooms. Emerald said the gnocchi was number one, then the tomatoes and mushrooms. I preferred the scallops, calamari, and then the tomatoes. This restaurant has it all – food prepared by culinary geniuses, servers who go above and beyond, and customers who know a great thing when they experience it. I left walking on moonbeams and not wanting the night to end.

Our meal cost was on par with Lapin, just over a hundred dollars a person. My only regret was not visiting Le Vin Papillon twice in a week, so I could try everything on the menu.

Les Enfant Terrible

On Saturday, we experienced the worst breakfast and the best dinner on the trip. We also learned if you could get brunch reservations at the last minute, it’s probably not worth going. For this post, let’s listen to “Terrible Lie” by Nine Inch Nails.

Emerald wanted to go somewhere with a rooftop patio. I found two possible places through OpenTable. When I confirmed which of the two restaurants we should visit, there was a misunderstanding, and ultimately, we ended up at the wrong restaurant. Based on the reviews, I knew beforehand the food at Les Enfant Terrible was aptly named, but as Emerald wanted a rooftop and Envy didn’t want to wait for a table, our options were limited.

When asked for her recommendations, our server carefully responded, “Customers have said good things about the crab cake benedicts and croque-madame.” I immediately knew that she didn’t eat the food herself.

I ordered the Crab Cake Benedict ($25), Emerald picked the Croque-Madame ($22), and Envy opted for the M’et Mmetoutle Monde ($14, plus $4 avocado). I noticed our drinks sat the counter for ten minutes. I did enjoy my mimosa ($10), which tasted like freshly squeezed orange juice. Envy didn’t care for her Espresso Martini ($15).

Envy said her sausages and eggs tasted like it was from a free hotel buffet breakfast, the ones that keep their food in a warmer. We both liked the side of avocado. Envy observed that we never received the fruit cups included in our entrees.

Emerald noticed one of my eggs already popped. I could taste the crab, shrimp and smoked salmon and enjoyed the caviar hollandaise sauce. I thought this dish tasted like the airplane food when my sister booked me a first-class ticket to visit her. Tasty, but not fresh.

Poor Emerald got the worst of the entrees. I took a bite of her sandwich and gagged. The bread was untoasted and soggy, cold from the bland jelly-like cream sauce. She only ate the thin slice of meat and egg and wouldn’t touch the bread. I suggested she return the dish and grab a pastry on our way home. She declined. With one taste, I could sense Les Enfant Terrible had a toxic work environment. You could taste the sadness in the food. The absolute disregard for making a dish edible reek of someone unhappy, hungover, and needing a hug. I don’t blame the cook. The fault lies with the establishment. Down with management!

An accidental compliment salvaged the afternoon. When we returned to our place, Envy wanted to go for a hike, and Emerald wished to rest. So I popped out and visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

When I went to pay for my ticket, the employee asked me if I was thirty or younger. Taken aback but still shameless, I uttered an unconvincing and slow “Yesss” and accepted the discounted rate. Elated, I continued on my journey. One of my favourite pieces of art were the Inuit sculptures and Aboriginal masks. I returned to our apartment younger and ready to experience one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in … perhaps ever. To be continued.

Maman and Restaurant L’Orignal

Our plan for Friday was brunch, shopping, and relaxing at the pool. For this post, let’s listen to “Who Even Cares” by Little Simz.

On the way over to Maman, we walked by the hostel I stayed at the last time I was in Montreal. I remember hanging out with Mike when Baron called me to say he was lost somewhere in Old Town. As this was before Google Maps, Mike had to figure out where Baron was on a physical map, and then we frantically searched for him on foot. Mike spotted Baron wandering around a park. We ran up to Baron and started jumping up and down and cheering hysterically. Ah, the good old days.

Maman wasn’t busy, but we still had to wait half an hour before our server took our order. Envy ordered Papa’s Breakfast Bowl with an extra egg ($20.50) and a Cold Brew ($5). Emerald picked the Dejeuner Mamam Sandwich ($19) and a Latte ($6.75), and I wanted the Sandwich Isabelle ($17) and a glass of water.

Emerald and Envy enjoyed their food, while I thought my zucchini and brie sandwich was bland, despite a heavy sprinkling of salt and pepper. The water tasted stale. The salad was tasty, fresh, with a vibrant dressing.

We went shopping along St. Catherine Street, where I learned not only does Emerald overpack, but she’s also a shopaholic. She bought more clothes on this trip than I own. Envy brought the right amount of clothing and found a stunning dress at Holt Renfrew. Unfortunately, the salesperson left the security tag on her dress, which she discovered right before we left for Calgary. I under-packed and needed more clothes, but I couldn’t find anything. Instead, I bought four pairs of black socks on the trip.

Emerald and I checked out the pool and hot tub when we returned. Then I went with Envy for a coffee and a trip to Shoppers to purchase sparkling water and snacks. Emerald found a fantastic coffee shop, where I discovered my new favourite drink, iced coffee by Faro. When we were at Shoppers, Envy pop out of an aisle and rushed over to me. She looked anxious, which was unlike her. I asked her if she was okay. She responded, “There’s a creepy guy in here. Let’s go.”

When we left, I finally got the tea. Some guy walked up to Envy and asked if she spoke English. She said yes, thinking he needed help. He asked, “How does it feel to be the most beautiful woman in the room?” When I stopped laughing, I asked how she responded. Envy retorted, “Really?!?” and then stormed off. I told her if I were there, I would have told him he was insensitive to say such a thing when I was also in the room.

I found Montreal unpleasantly hot, as the humidity makes me feel overly warm and muggy. Despite the heat, I still wore my Swedish tights because I like how the material feels. For dinner, we visited L’Orignal, a spot Envy wanted to scope out.

We started with cocktails, Pineapple Rum Punch ($14), Oyster Caesar ($18), and a Cucumber Caesar ($13). The manager helped Envy pick a bottle of white wine, Chablis la Chablisie ($75). They went back and forth talking about a flavour characteristic Envy doesn’t care for, but I couldn’t follow the conversation because I was feeling woozy.

Envy noticed I looked unwell and said we could cab home right away. Then she told me to go take my stockings off. I went to the washroom and felt a whoosh of incredible relief once I removed my stockings. I felt like a new woman. Envy shook her head and said she suspected I was overheating because I was wearing too many clothes. I called L that night to tell him about my near-death experience, and he wondered if Envy ever got tired of being everyone’s mother.

Once I took my tights off, my appetite returned. We shared a Kale Salad ($16), which we all thought was very good. The kale was soft and well-seasoned with a creamy dressing. For our mains, I ordered Bison Burger ($28) with Poutine ($8), Envy picked the Tagliatelle ($30) and Envy ordered the day’s plate, Halibut ($45).

My burger was delicious. The patty was charred and crunchy inside, while the meat remained juicy. I would get the burger again. Emerald and Envy liked the poutine more than I did, as I found the fries soggy. Emerald’s portion of pasta looked so small, but she said it was the perfect portion.

While we were there, the restaurant was only a quarter filled. Envy thought it would be more fun later at night when it was busier. Overall, I enjoyed our meal and particularly the service at L’Orignal. Unlike the other restaurants, we were constantly checked on and received our food promptly. Hitting the Sauce gives L’Original service two phat thumbs up.

Olive et Gourmando and Bar George

When we woke up the next morning, we were ready to hit a Montreal hotspot for brunch. Emerald and I wanted to try Olive et Gourmando, a restaurant Phil reviewed on his show, Somebody Feed Phil. The menu isn’t Envy’s style, but she was a good sport and came along. As I’m always one to look on the bright side of things, I informed her I spotted some things she could eat, like boiled eggs and chia seeds. For this post, let’s listen to the Everybody Loves Raymond soundtrack.

On our way over to the restaurant, the rain came down hard. Due to Envy’s excellent sense of direction, we arrived quickly, but ended up standing around for an hour for a table. Once we sat down, we waited another half an hour to order. On this trip, we learned the busiest restaurants are the best, and in this case, Olive et Gourmando is worth the lengthy queue.

Emerald ordered the Poached Egg On Your Face ($25.50), Envy picked L’oeuf Coquette Frittata ($26.50), and I wanted what Phil recommended, Le Cubain ($25.50). I didn’t take a photo of Envy’s food because I knew she was hungry. Since it was noon, I ordered a glass of wine to accompany my meal. 

Of the two sandwiches, Emerald’s egg sandwich was the best. The eggs were so silky, thinly sliced into uniform pieces, and nestled between hot, melted cheese and crispy pancetta. I could taste a creamy aioli that kicked up each crispy bite. I would get this again. Emerald commented on how big the sandwich was but thought it was a decent size as no sides were included. 

The cubain sandwich contained quality slices of pancetta and pork. I enjoyed the smoky flavour of the meat and the spicy mayonnaise. The bread was oily in both sandwiches, but in a good way, like a grilled cheese sandwich.

I spotted bottles of wine to go and assumed it would be good. I asked an employee which one he would recommend. He pointed to a bottle and said, “I don’t know if you’ll like the wine, but this one is popular.” I should have listened to him and aborted my mission, but I went against his warning and bought a bottle ($40). 

After our meal, Envy walked us down to the Old Port. We stopped to gaze at Silo No. 5, an old grain elevator from the 20th century. We turned around and walked by Habitat 67, a housing complex designed by Israeli–Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. Envy said it appeared rundown like a project, and Emerald thought it looked like a favela in Brazil. I reminded them that my husband and I have a picture of Habitat 67 in our living room. We had a good laugh. I added that our print was much nicer as it has Japanese influences with Scandinavian colours that suited our decor. 

We returned to our apartment and planned to go shopping. However, record-breaking rainfall descended on us, and we waited out the storm. Our phones beeped out tornado warnings as we watched birds en masse struggle to fly by against the strong winds and heavy sheets of rain. We drank my subpar wine and cancelled our reservations at Bar St. Denis. Envy, always wise, suggested we stick close by and check out Bar George when the storm lifted.  She didn’t want to get stuck due to flooding.

Bar George is located inside Le Mount Stephen, a hotel. The hotel is swanky, with impressively large neoclassical features. Though fully booked, we managed to get three spots by the bar.

A DJ spun his tunes at the entrance by a massive fireplace. We drank well-made cocktails (Elise, $18) that even matched the craftmanship of award-winning mixologist Christine Mah, partner at Klein/Harris in Calgary. 

We ordered a light supper. Emerald and I shared two appetizers. The arancini ($16) arrived steaming hot, crispy and cheesy. Emerald like the addition of pickles in the beef tartare ($44) and the hard crunch from the crackers. The large portion of tartare came with fries, the best I tried on the trip. The frites were meaty and fatty, but with a hard crisp exterior. Envy said her octopus ($34) was okay, but she wouldn’t order it again.

The service was jovial, which set the mood for merriment. With the DJ spinning tunes and the calibre of our cocktails, I felt like I was at a party. When asked, the hostess was lovely enough to take multiple pictures of us and she gave side eye to an employee who clearly did care about our Kodak moment and defiantly trotted by, ruining one shot. Overall, we would return for the cocktails, service and snacks. 

Vin Mon Lapin

Last week, I visited Montreal with my friends Emerald and Envy. The last time I was in Montreal was thirteen years ago when I was a broke student. I was excited that this time around, I could explore the local cuisine. For this post, let’s listen to “Thinking Out Loud ” by Ed Sheeran.

Obtaining a reservation to Vin Mon Lapin, Emerald’s suggestion, took a lot of work. Recently rated #1 of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, no openings were available even though I tried to book the day the spots were released. After several failed attempts on their waitlist, I did manage to snag a 9:45 pm on Wednesday.

We arrived on time and were seated on the patio behind the restaurant. Our server steered us to a stellar natural organic Spanish wine, Vernatxa Instint Primari Friasch, from Terra Alta, Catalonia ($91). This white wine was the best bottle we tried on the entire trip. I found it textured, light and fresh, with a refreshing acidity. This wine was so good, I drank every single drop in my glass.

As we drank our wine and soaked up the evening heat, we noticed things were slower in Montreal. At 10:30 pm, a different server saw our ravenous eyes telepathically begging for a Snickers bar. He came to take our order, and we picked our dishes based on the first server’s vivid and enthusiastic descriptions.

Our first dish set the night, Poireaux ($14). The leek stalks stood straight, packed in sardines in a tin. The marinade tasted clean and grassy oil. Emerald enjoyed the fresh, balanced flavour. Envy found the leeks smooth and savoury. I just liked that I was eating something unusual (to me) and enjoyed the additional crunch from the leek’s accompaniment, potato chips.

Envy and Emerald were impressed with the leek mussels, as it was different from a dish you would find in Calgary. Envy mentioned that Calgary is stronger with game meat because that’s locally available.

I was most excited to try the Corque ($24). The scallop sandwich was friggin incredible. The scallops were silky and smooth, highlighted by the outer layer of delicately crunchy bread. What a treat! Envy doesn’t eat carbs, so I ate her toast. The scallop dish was my favourite dish of the night.

Emerald and Envy loved the Tomate Beuf ($22). The tomato beef was another winner; it tasted sweet, ripe, and tomatoey. In Alberta, we are spoiled with excellent beef, so it was interesting to see that this version of beef tartar highlighted the quality of the fruit more than the meat. It takes some magic to get tomatoes to taste like this. Props to the chef.

Another server came to move us to the dining room for a different experience. I said it was a sweet gesture out loud, and Envy wryly informed me it was because the patio closes at 11:00 pm. Her stark and accurate realism altered my more romantic interpretation, but she agreed that being inside provided an improved experience once seated.

Inside, we met Samuel, a boyish server who recommended other wines by the glass and talked up the chefs responsible for all the deliciousness we ate. I asked for his name to credit him on my blog, but after I realized I may have given cougar vibes. Poor Samuel.

The Laitue ($20) was poetically described, so I was disappointed to learn it was just a salad. While it was a nice herby mix, I would have preferred a second order of any of the previous three dishes instead.

Envy took some of the Porc ($34) and thought it was excellent. I liked the contrast between the soft and crunchy fat on the pork belly. My pictures are worse than usual because Envy and Emerald were so hungry, and I didn’t want them to wait. Next time, I want my friend Lululemon to come. Sometimes she sees my photos and takes my phone to redo it.

The halibut was cooked so the white flesh was hot and soft. Envy approved of our second main, the Fletan ($42). I found the flavour of the fish delicate and perfectly cooked, almost velvety in texture. Envy said she would order this again.

Emerald picked a delicious Torte ($15) for dessert. The cake was coated in a warm, fluffy chocolate sauce. The espresso and rich chocolate reminded me of Coffee Crispy, my favourite childhood candy bar, but much better in every possible way.

I’m glad we were able to check out Vin Mon Lapin. It was worth the repetitive cycle of receiving notifications, frantically checking only to find the offer expired, until finally securing a spot. The food was delightful, and the wine was something special.

Missy’s This That

As L was out golfing, I had time to kill before our dinner. I elected to take myself out somewhere I’ve always wanted to check out, Missy’s This That. I heard from a reliable source that Missy That is a bohemian spot hidden from plain sight, a jewel that Toronto and Montreal tourists seek out for better wine and cheaper than they can get back home.

My Uber driver dropped me off and pointed to an old building. He said it should be there based on the address, but he was unsure. He was nice enough to wait until I found the entrance before he took off to his next job. For this post, let’s listen to “Heart Shaped Face” by Angel Olsen.

I walked up to the second floor into an 80’s style utilitarian room. The air con was blowing something fierce, which was nice because it was so hot outside. I could see blue skies and the street below peeking through the windows.

I sat at the bar and asked for a glass of wine from Juice Imports. The server said she was unsure which wines were from Juice Imports and pointed to the wall of wine. I took a gander and noticed Ruz (Milan Nestarec) on the roster.

I only wanted a drink or two before meeting with L, so I ordered a glass of bubbles. When I read the name of the winery, I realized this pet nat (naturally sparkling wine) was from Juice Import’s portfolio – Testalonga, I Am The Ninja (2021). Small but mighty, the bubbles were tiny and aggressive. I enjoyed the splashy fizzle and the tart finish.

When I saw the care and attention the other server, Bobby, put into the cocktails, I requested a Classic Martini (HH $12) with an olive and lemon twist. Oh baby, this is strong cocktail! The vodka was smooth and not jarring, fragrant from the lemon peel. The Godal olive was so freaking yummy I ordered a plate ($9.50), which was overkill for one person. I only ate about a quarter of the olives.

I wanted a snack, so Bobby recommended the Tonnato and Rapini Toast ($5.50), which would pair best with the martini and olives. The tuna mixture was liquidy, oozing all over the thinly sliced bread. The fresh lemon and rich olive oil drizzled all over the rapini tied nicely with my martini’s citrus and vodka notes.

Before I left, Bobby recommended that I check out Missy That in the evening. She said the vibe is different. The music is louder, and as the room is dark, the neon signs pop out. With that vivid description, I will return, with L.

Unlike Business and Pleasure, which is a huge chick magnet, Missy This That seems more of a dude’s bar, with mostly men dropping in for a quick drink and a chat with the bartenders. Next on my list is Artist Lounge, a wine bar that Mark from Juice Imports is a big fan of, as well as Frenchies, a wine that reopened after COVID. If you have any other suggestions, shoot me an email.

Saffron Street

Olympian and I have been DM’ing each other since COVID. She found my blog on Pure Vietnamese, and ever since, we have traded tips on our favourite restaurants, Foreign Concept and Pure Vietnamese. When we discovered that Foreign Concept was closing and the owner, Duncan Ly, was opening Bar Chouette, we decided to meet. For this post, let’s listen to “Hey Baby” by Bruce Channel.

We met at First Street Market. We typically eat at Pure Vietnamese but agreed to check out a new venue if Chef Lam were away from his food stall. Olympian didn’t spot him, so we checked out Saffron Street.

She ordered the Butter Chicken Thali ($18) based on the chef’s recommendation. Despite the chef’s advice that I should also get the butter chicken, I resisted and ordered what I wanted, Chloe Batture ($15) and two Dahi Puri ($2). Olympian ate first, as my dish took longer to prepare. She offered to let me sample her food, but I thought it was too soon.

Photo credit: 4jki

Olympian confided she’s been ordering from Inspired Go, a salad delivery service. As a result, her stomach’s been shrinking, and she couldn’t finish her lunch. I perked up at this revelation and promptly ordered a week’s supply. She was worried that she hyped up Inspired Go and hoped I would like it. I told her not to worry. I wasn’t expecting a miracle from a 500-calorie salad.

My food was ready in about five minutes, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. My order contained two massive, puffed bread balls. I marvelled at the crisp, bubbly exterior and ecstatically tore a crackling piece off, releasing the hot air. I scooped up the chickpea curry with the paper-like tissue. Each bite was delicate and delicious, spicy and filling. I would get this again.

Halfway through my meal, I discovered some spicy, tart vegetables tucked away in the corner of the tray. I wasn’t sure how to eat it, so I mixed it up in the rest of the chickpea curry.

Photo credit: 4jki

I mistakenly ate the dahi puri in two bites, and the wet filling spilled down on my hand. I found the ingredients sweet and tangy. I tasted mostly the tamarind, yogurt and the fruity pop from the pomegranate seeds. I gave a dahi puri to the Olympian to try and advised her to eat the whole thing in one bite to avoid my messy mistake. She enjoyed it even more than the butter chicken.

On our way out, we saw Chef Lam. I didn’t want to go up and say hello without buying anything, so I slunk away, happily stuffed but longing for some of the best Vietnamese food in town. I’ll have to bring L to First Street Market for our next date night so that I can get my Vietnamese fix.

Sukiyaki House – Kaiseki

L and I finally made it to one of Chef Koji Kobayashi’s kaiseki dinners. Koji spent weeks working on the menu, as this was the first big event since COVID. We counted roughly 30 customers in attendance, a mix of couples on dates and regulars who you see throughout the evening, genuinely appreciating Koji’s creations.

Every guest sat at their table, as the restaurant was closed to the general public. When we were seated, I could sense the excitement in the air, similar to the tension you feel moments before the conductor waves his baton before his orchestra. I was downright giddy from anticipation. Let’s listen to some appropriately Zen-like music.

L and I added the sake sommelier pairings ($60), comprising 15 ounces of alcohol to match with Koji’s seasonally influenced eight-course meal. Our photos do not do the food justice. Check out Sukiyaki House’s Instagram photos to get a sense of the caliber of the presentation of the dishes. 

The sakizuke comprised four elements: daikon smoked salmon, mozuku seaweed, okra and edamame pure, and temari sushi. Judith paired the appetizer with Tenbi, Tokubetsu Janmai Genshu. The smoked salmon was bright with lemon and crunchy from the daikon. The cup of seaweed was phenomenal, cool, slippery and delicate. The flavour reminded me of walking into a tranquil forest. I had never tasted anything like it and worked to get every last strand of seaweed.  

The ossuimono consisted of minazuki tofu, seared uni, jyunsai (water shield) and lime. The soup was full of distinctly Japanese flavours. Light and lovely, I would pick out the juicy little sea treasures and then sip on the beautiful broth. The soup was my favourite dish; it was so sensual in flavour and texture. 

The munkozuke was a showstopper, Japanese halfbeak with yuzo and shiso. Twisted in circle, the spine of the whole fish encircled the sashimi. L loved the showmanship of knife skills and the freshness of the sashimi. The yuzu foam was dreamy, a fresh and gentle complement to the delicate, clean white fish. The soy pairing was familiar, and the contrast made the flavour pop. Judith paired the sashimi with Senki Muku, Junmai Daiginjo.

The takiawase was outstanding. My meat-loving, eggplant and tomato-hating husband was so impressed he declared the cold-style dish his favourite of the night. The eggplant was silky and smoky, gorgeously rich and luxurious. The tomato was plump and so refined in flavour that I couldn’t believe what I was tasting. Between sips of Hououbiden Kanbashi, I would slowly nibbled on the generous scattering of black truffles.

The yakimono course reminded me of the fall season. The grilled miso snapper was adorned with crispy fish scale chips and seaweed paste, reminding me of a cold October night. I loved the char on the baby corn and the giant crunchy spot prawn.

Before our shizakana course, we could smell the grounding fragrance of burning wood. I noticed the classical Japanese music was curated to each course at a volume low enough that my Shazam app couldn’t detect. Our plate of A5 Japanese Wagyu was decorated with a quail egg, foie gras mousse, lotus root chips and emerald-green fiddleheads. The foie gras melted in my mouth like whipped cream, salty and full of umami. Judith paired this dish and the next one with Terada Honke, Junmai.

The gohan mono was a rice dish of marinated squid, caviar, tamago and burock. The dark sauce was heavy and sweet. I enjoyed the combination of the sticky rice and salty crunch from the tobiko. We drank warm cups of sake, which heated me up like a good cup of tea.

The final course, mizumono, was a fun way to end the series. The vanilla ice cream was sandwiched with red beans and strawberries. Koji said the red beans would ward off evil spirits. When I saw how much L enjoyed his dessert, I gave him mine to eat as well. I loved the pairing drink, hojicha infused sochu, a concoction of tea, cold brew coffee and Kahlua. 

L and I were impressed with all the skill, imagination and beauty that went into each dish. The dinner took a tremendous amount of effort and coordination from all the staff, and we appreciated the performance. We look forward to the next kaiseki. Thank you, Koji and L, for a glorious experience.

Shimizu Kitchen

I met Chikko for lunch at Shimizu Kitchen, a little gem in the Killarney / Rosscarrock area. I’ve only been here once before, but I recalled enjoying the miso ramen. Let’s listen to “First Taste” by Fiona Apple.

I chose the Salmon Don ($13.90) because I’m trying to eat healthier. I recommended Chikko to get the Shimizu Ramen ($13.90), and we shared an order of Gyoza ($5.50). While we waited for our food, we heard a loud boom, boom, boom! Similar in noise level to what you hear at a construction site. I figured the chef was pounding on a piece of pork since they serve tonkatsu. The hammering lasted about 10 seconds and would intermittently startup.

When our gyoza arrived, Chikko and I admired the design lacing the dumplings together. No sauce was provided or needed because each gyoza was so juicy, almost like soup dumplings.

When Chikko’s miso ramen arrived, I instantly got buyer’s remorse. The bowl was brimming with steaming hot noodles, sprouts, pork belly and half a gooey egg. I asked him to do a noodle pull for my blog. He looked confused, so I explained he had to lift the noodles with his chopsticks so I could take a visually appealing picture. He looked unenthused and pulled up two strands. I shook my head and told him to forget it. No one likes a weak noodle pull.

When Chikko bit into the pork belly, I could see how the meat easily tore apart. He closed his eyes as he ate and mentioned it was worth the noise. He said it was better than his usual ramen joint, and very authentic.

My rice bowl was a daintier size than the ramen, perfect for someone trying to make healthier food choices. The yuzu wasabi was light and bright. The rice was warm, which increased the temperature of the raw slices of salmon.

I have to take L back here for the ramen. Shimizu is a neighbourhood gem for something hot, tasty and homemade. Hitting the Sauce gives our local ramen joint two phat thumbs up.

Sukiyaki House – GOAT (Greatest of All Time)

L won an award, and I received good news, so when we came home, we decided to go out and celebrate at Sukiyaki House. When I sat down at our table, I noticed almost every diner coming in was a regular. That’s pretty telling of a restaurant if all your customers are repeat offenders. Let’s listen to “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder for this post.

We started with an ice-cold Asahi beer (16 oz, $9) and munched on piping-hot pieces of chicken karaage ($14). When I took my first bite, I hollered, “La, la, la, la, la, la. How do they make these fatty, crunchy morsels so freaking delicious?” L grinned and looked around because I was being pretty loud. What can I say? I get excited easily. L commented that the marinated chicken was so juicy, brightened by the yuzu kewie sauce like a summer day.

That night, when I posted that Sukiyaki House is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of fried chicken, a follower on Instagram DMed me to say it’s the best because it’s KFC (Koji Fried Chicken). I know Koji doesn’t prepare the kaarage because he creates specialty dishes at the front of the restaurant, but I get the gist: the standard in the kitchen is very high.

We selected some rolls and nigiri to round out our meal: Amabei (Raw Shrimp / Fried Shrimp Head, $5.50), Ebi (Cooked Shrimp, $3.60), Hamachi (Japanese Amberjack, $5), Maguro (Tuna, $3.5), Shake (Salmon, $3.50), Tako (Octopus, $4.20), Hotategai (Raw Scallop, $4.80), Negitoro (Toro / Green Onion, $7.50) Shake Maki (Salmon, $5.50) California roll ($15), and Kelly Tempura ($14).

Generally, I’m not too fond of sushi rolls, but Sukiyaki House has the only rolls my heart beats for. The rice was perfectly seasoned with vinegar and sugar. The tempura in the Kelly roll was still warm, and Sukiyaki House’s trademark airy batter with that mouthwatering flavour you only get from clean oil. So effin’ good.

I always get the California roll when I come here. The flavours hit right. I love the layers and textures of the buttery avocado, crisp nori, roasted sesame seeds and fluffy crab meat. The selection of nigiri was fresh as always, with the scallop being the highlight, plump and creamy as the Milky Way.

Next week, L and I are attending Sukiyaki House’s ‘kaiseki,’ a traditional fine-dining, multi-course meal. Koji spent a decade perfecting his craft in Osaka. So if the restaurant can make fried chicken and California rolls the highlight of my year, I can only imagine what to expect at the kaiseki.

Juice Import – Harvest Tasting

I had an extra Juice Import’s Harvest Tasting ($25) ticket because Beep Beep had to cancel her trip to Calgary. As Lululemon already bought two spots for herself and her fiancé Books, I invited Foodiegal as my plus one. For this post, let’s listen to “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” by Janet Jackson.

Foodiegal waited for me outside Bricks Wine Co. We signed in and partook in welcome bubbles from Brand Bros, Pet Nat ($38.95) when we walked inside. Foodiegal enjoyed the clean, soft bubbles so much that she put this bottle on her wish list.

The theme of this tasting was a comparative analysis between Brand Bros and Jochen Beurer, two wineries in Germany where Erik helped to harvest the grapes. He started us off with a “serious” rosé, Brands Bros 2020 Wildrosé ($34.95), a wine with incredible intensity. The grapes are from 50-year-old Portugieser vines, and the harvest for this vintage was excruciatingly hot and dry. As this rosé is unfiltered, the owner, Daniel, instructs customers to shake and wait ten minutes for the particles to settle. We admired the colour and how the light reflected off the sediment floating in the wine.

If Wildrosé is considered serious, Jochen Beurer Rosé ($29.95) is carefree with its soft, gentle flavour. Erik described the wine as “bright and juicy, with a ton of freshness.” Foodiegal and I enjoyed this rosé. Erik noted this vintage is the product of all the grape varieties, and “then the juice is bled off and spontaneously fermented to full dryness in stainless steel before élevage and bottling.”

Erik took a sip of Brand Bros Monastery Riesling ($46.95) and sighed at its haunting complexity and proclaimed that this was everything he loved about wine. Cloudy in colour, I appreciated how the Riesling sparkled against my tongue. Erik informed us that the fifty-year-old vines are planted in limestone-dominant soil, which helps preserve acidity, even in scorching weather. Lululemon and I bought a bottle because it was that good. Foodiegal wasn’t a fan, so I drank her glass. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask Erik what to pair with this Riesling.

Erik asked us which we enjoyed more, the Monastery Riesling or Jochen Beurer Jungrs Scwaben Riesling ($59.95). About half the group preferred the Jungrs Scwaben. I favoured the yum factor of the Monastery, but I still appreciated the richer, smoother, sweeter Riesling from Beurer. I asked Erik why does Germany have the best Rieslings? Erik reckoned it was a combination of factors. Perfect climate, soil, and having a thousand years of experience create generational knowledge that gets passed on.

I was pleasantly surprised by Brand Bros Red ($31.95). Quaffable, with a pretty scent and soft carbonation. Erik mentioned this red was easy to pair with lots of food. Lululemon, Foodiegal and I bought a bottle.

The Jochen Beurer Red ($29.95) was heavier and richer in taste than Brand Bros. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the red wines because Germany’s famous for Riesling. I was particularly impressed with the sparkling red. I wondered why these two German wineries offer such high-quality, reasonably priced wines compared to some other wineries. Erik explained the land is cheaper in Germany, and their harvest produces high-yield crops, unlike pinot noir or more difficult grape varieties. As well, the government offers subsidies.

I learned that Erik also hosts private parties. I may enlist Erik’s service when my sister Me Shell visits me this summer. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening. Supping on steaks and sipping on fine wines while listening to Bard Erik recite his journeys tasting the most natural wines in the most unlikely places.